Abstract: In various embodiments, an encoding ladder application generates encoding ladders for encoding media titles. In operation, the encoding ladder application generates a first convex hull representing encoding tradeoffs between quality and bitrate when encoding a media title at a first resolution; The encoding ladder application generates a second convex hull representing encoding tradeoffs between quality and bitrate when encoding the media title at a second resolution. Based on the first convex hull and the second convex hull, the encoding ladder application generates an overall convex hull. Subsequently, the encoding ladder application generates an encoding ladder for the media title based on at least the overall convex hull and a ladder requirement. Advantageously, the tradeoffs between quality and bitrate represented by the encoding ladder are customized for the media title. Consequently, encoding inefficiencies attributable to conventional fixed-bitrate ladders can be reduced.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an image preprocessing application preprocesses images. To preprocess an image, the image preprocessing application executes a trained machine learning model on first data corresponding to both the image and a first set of components of a luma-chroma color space to generate first preprocessed data. The image preprocessing application executes at least a different trained machine learning model or a non-machine learning algorithm on second data corresponding to both the image and a second set of components of the luma-chroma color space to generate second preprocessed data. Subsequently, the image preprocessing application aggregates at least the first preprocessed data and the second preprocessed data to generate a preprocessed image.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a training application trains a machine learning model to preprocess images. In operation, the training application computes a chroma sampling factor based on a downscaling factor and a chroma subsampling ratio. The training application executes a machine learning model that is associated with the chroma sampling factor on data that corresponds to both an image and a first chroma component to generate preprocessed data corresponding to the first chroma component. Based on the preprocessed data, the training application updates at least one parameter of the machine learning model to generate a trained machine learning model that is associated with the first chroma component.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a codec comparison application independently encodes each source image included in a set of source images using a first encoding configuration to generate a first set of encoded images. The codec comparison application also independently encodes each source image included in the set of source images using a second encoding configuration to generate a second set of encoded images. For each encoded image in the first set of encoded images and each encoded image in the second set of encoded images, a visual quality score for a reconstructed source image derived from the encoded image falls within a tolerance of a target visual quality score.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an encoding ladder application generates encoding ladders for encoding media titles. In operation, the encoding ladder application generates a first convex hull representing encoding tradeoffs between quality and bitrate when encoding a media title at a first resolution; The encoding ladder application generates a second convex hull representing encoding tradeoffs between quality and bitrate when encoding the media title at a second resolution. Based on the first convex hull and the second convex hull, the encoding ladder application generates an overall convex hull. Subsequently, the encoding ladder application generates an encoding ladder for the media title based on at least the overall convex hull and a ladder requirement. Advantageously, the tradeoffs between quality and bitrate represented by the encoding ladder are customized for the media title. Consequently, encoding inefficiencies attributable to conventional fixed-bitrate ladders can be reduced.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an image encoding application determines a first value for an encoding parameter based on a search interval. The image encoding application then encodes a source image using the first value for the encoding parameter to generate a first encoded image. Subsequently, the image encoding application computes a visual quality score for a first reconstructed source image derived from the first encoded image. The image encoding application reduces the search interval based on a comparison between the visual quality score and the target visual quality score. Based on the resulting reduced search interval, the image encoding application determines a second value for the encoding parameter. The image encoding application encodes the source image using the second value for the encoding parameter to generate a second encoded image. Subsequently, the image encoding application transmits the second encoded image to software application(s) for further processing and display.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request from a client computing device for a first shot included in a media title being streamed to the client computing device for playback; in response to the request, sending the first shot to the client computing device for playback; and sending a representative image for at least one of the first shot and a second shot included in the media title, wherein the first shot comprises a first sequence of video frames that is included in the media title and captured continuously from a first point of capture, and the second shot comprises a second sequence of video frames that is included in the media title and captured continuously from a second point of capture.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an image encoding application determines a first value for an encoding parameter based on a search interval. The image encoding application then encodes a source image using the first value for the encoding parameter to generate a first encoded image. Subsequently, the image encoding application computes a visual quality score for a first reconstructed source image derived from the first encoded image. The image encoding application reduces the search interval based on a comparison between the visual quality score and the target visual quality score. Based on the resulting reduced search interval, the image encoding application determines a second value for the encoding parameter. The image encoding application encodes the source image using the second value for the encoding parameter to generate a second encoded image. Subsequently, the image encoding application transmits the second encoded image to software application(s) for further processing and display.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a codec comparison application independently encodes each source image included in a set of source images using a first encoding configuration to generate a first set of encoded images. The codec comparison application also independently encodes each source image included in the set of source images using a second encoding configuration to generate a second set of encoded images. For each encoded image in the first set of encoded images and each encoded image in the second set of encoded images, a visual quality score for a reconstructed source image derived from the encoded image falls within a tolerance of a target visual quality score.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention sets forth a mechanism for encoding video streams associated with the same digital content such that switch points staggered across two video streams occur at every offset temporal distance. The offset temporal distance is less than the distance between two consecutive key frames in a given video stream. This enables a content player to switch to a video stream having a playback quality up or down one level from a current video stream at the offset temporal distance from the most recently played key frame. In effect, the content player does not wait the entire key frame temporal distance before switching.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention sets forth a mechanism for encoding video streams associated with the same digital content such that switch points staggered across two video streams occur at every offset temporal distance. The offset temporal distance is less than the distance between two consecutive key frames in a given video stream. This enables a content player to switch to a video stream having a playback quality up or down one level from a current video stream at the offset temporal distance from the most recently played key frame. In effect, the content player does not wait the entire key frame temporal distance before switching.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request from a client computing device for a first shot included in a media title being streamed to the client computing device for playback; in response to the request, sending the first shot to the client computing device for playback; and sending a representative image for at least one of the first shot and a second shot included in the media title, wherein the first shot comprises a first sequence of video frames that is included in the media title and captured continuously from a first point of capture, and the second shot comprises a second sequence of video frames that is included in the media title and captured continuously from a second point of capture.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention sets forth a mechanism for encoding video streams associated with the same digital content such that switch points staggered across two video streams occur at every offset temporal distance. The offset temporal distance is less than the distance between two consecutive key frames in a given video stream. This enables a content player to switch to a video stream having a playback quality up or down one level from a current video stream at the offset temporal distance from the most recently played key frame. In effect, the content player does not wait the entire key frame temporal distance before switching.

Abstract: Apparatus having corresponding methods and non-transitory computer-readable media comprise: a wireless network adapter; a camera configured to capture an image; and a processor configured to provide one or more wireless network parameters based on the image; wherein the wireless network adapter is configured to connect to a wireless network according to the wireless network parameters subsequent to the processor providing the wireless network parameters.

Abstract: Video call devices having corresponding methods and non-transitory computer-readable media comprise: a video input interface configured to receive first video information; an audio input interface configured to receive first audio information; a transmitter configured to transmit first signals during a video call, wherein the first signals represent the first video information and the first audio information; a receiver configured to receive second signals during the video call, wherein the second signals represent second video information and second audio information; a video output interface configured to provide the second video information; an audio output interface configured to provide the second audio information; wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit third signals during the video call, wherein the third signals represent at least one of media content, and a hyperlink, wherein the hyperlink indicates a location of the media content.

Abstract: For display of, at a user device, a region of interest within video images and associated applications. In a particular example embodiment, a streaming video source provides streaming data to a user device, with the streaming data being representative of a sequence of images, and each image including a plurality of individually decodable slices. At the user device and for a particular image and a corresponding subset region of the image, less than all of the plurality of individually decodable slices are displayed in response to a current input indicative of the subset region. Future input indicative of a revised subset region is then predicted in response to images in the image sequence that have yet to be displayed and to previously received input. In other embodiments, multicasting methods, systems or arrangements provide streaming video to one or more user devices.