Codec Test

A systematic test setting for evaluation of different compression codices has been developped by the HfG. On the base of trial recordings transformation parameters for shutter and grid (Moiré) effekt, digital artifacts, Kompressionsspurenin Farbverläufen, Umgang mit Störfrequenzen. Descriptive examples could be obtained und stehen zum Download auf der Website bereit.

Depending on the internal esthetical structure of a video tape different digitisation modes and codices may be recommended.
The HfG Karlsruhe has specially produced some video material for codec tests in DigitalBeta format (DitalBeta Cassette).

The source material was first encoded in → Huffyuv. Huffyuv is a compression algorithm by Ben Rudiak-Gould, which enables a very fast, loss-free Win32 compression. On the basis of a bit-to-bit compression the codec ensures original take with no color space conversion.

• Find → here all video materials.

To achieve a better understanding about the results of different compression modes, the HfG has executed a systemic test setting for evaluation of compression codices. By using specially shot footage parameters for compression of zoom, structure, pan (normal, slow and fast pan), architecture, colours, persons, focus, structure, water and leaves were determined.

Depending on the internal aesthetical structure of a video, different digitisation modes and codices can be recommended. The HfG Karlsruhe has produced some video footage for codec tests. The original takes have been recorded with a DigitalBeta Camera (DitalBeta Cassette). The source material was first encoded in Huffyuv. Huffyuv is a compression algorithm by Ben Rudiak-Gould, which enables a very fast, lossless Win32 compression. On the basis of a bit-to-bit compression the codec ensures that the colour of the original take is not changed.

Huffyuv is published under the terms of the GPL (Quelle / weiterführende Literatur angeben). The Huffyuv video files were then encoded with several common codices such mpeg4, Quicktime6 apple cinepak, Quicktime6 on2 vp3 video compressor, Quicktime6 sorenson video 3, Quicktime6 zygovideo pro, mpeg2, windows media 9, DivX, R9, Quicktime6 apple bitmap and just recently updated with H264.

The codec tests result in a wide array of video files with very different sizes and quality that may support the OASIS Archive group in questions of preservation of original videos and video files and streaming of video data.

Following Codecs were tested

Ausgangsmaterial: Huffyuv es folgen: Avid Quicktime Codecs, Windows Media 9 Codec, DivX Player + Codec (Bundle), Real Media Codecs, Mpeg 2 Codec, Mpeg 4 Codec, QuickTime 6 on2 vp3 Video Codec, QuickTime Codecs Bundle [QuickTime Alternative 1.70]

Following Players were used

VLC Player, QuickTime 7 Player (NEW), Quicktime 6 Player, DivX Player + Codec (Bundle), Real Media Player 9, Real Media Player 10 Player (NEW), Windows Media Player 9.

HfG: Screenshot of Codec Test Table

Following cinematic settings were used as test sequences

In order for results to be presentable a lab-like arrangement was set up: an effort was made to shoot sequences which were comparable to the effects which appear in the video artworks of the late 70ies and the 80ies. Due to the time-limit imposed it was omitted to recreate sequences, which utilized video filters and video effects or were created using video synthesizers.

• Demonstrative examples prove this
• The following shots were used as test footage:
• Grid with pan (# gitter_schwenk)
• Sign: letters on paper filmed (# kein_schlaf_kein_code)
• Pan in staircase (# schwenks_treppenhaus)
• Staircase – static and with pan (# treppe_juergen_statische_und_schwenk_mit_licht)
• Dove (# taube)
• Slow pan with zoom (# teleschwenks_langsam)
• Fast pan with zoom (# teleschwenks_schnell)
• Blurred grid (# unschaerfen_gitter)
• Water and leaves (# wasser_und_blaetter)

Lear more about the → HfG Codec Test and download test materials and moving images.