Bandwidth allocation and analysis of VBR MPEG video bit streams

Abstract

This paper presents the benefits and challenges in the encoding and delivery of variable bitrate (VBR) MPEG video. The network resources required to transmit stored variable rate MPEG can be reduced by properly analyzing and smoothing the video stream before transmission. A scheduling technique is presented which selects a traffic contract for a pre-encoded MPEG video stream with the criteria of minimizing network resources and maintaining video quality. Several effective bandwidth metrics are discussed and used to model the potential saving in network resources for the shaped streams.