Open source wavelet based video conferencing system using SIP

Abstract

Video conferencing systems typically rely on the computational and compression performance of their video codecs to meet strict performance constraints. It is well known that blocking artifacts in DCT-video codec based video conferencing system becomes prominent on low bandwidths due to block-based processing. Wavelet technology is increasingly being popular for high quality blocking artifact-free compression suitable for low bandwidth channels. Despite the advantages, there are not many wavelet based video codecs and their use in a real-time video conferencing has been limited owing to the nonavailability of an embedded real-time solution. This paper presents the architectural design of a wavelet technology-based video conferencing system, the method of converting a wavelet based video codec Dirac into its embedded plug-in, and the process of embedding Dirac into Openphone (SIP based video conferencing system). A prototype system has been successfully implemented and tested.