Abstract: Techniques are described by which multiple, independently encoded video streams may be combined into a single decodable video stream. These techniques take advantage of existing features of commonly used video codecs that support the independent encoding of different regions of an image frame (e.g., H.264 slices or HEVC tiles). Instead of including different parts of the same image, each region corresponds to the encoded image data of the frames of one of the independent video streams.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a service for selecting the bandwidth of a media stream. The service correlates the buffer state of a client with previously communicated portions of the stream. The service then determines a bit rate for subsequent portions of the stream. A manifest may be generated indicating a source for content at the determined bit rate.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to allocation of bits in a media stream. In an example, a video stream is segmented into groups of pixels. A determination of a class type is made for individual ones of the groups of pixels. The determination can be based at least in part on semantic similarity of the class type and of a scene represented in the groups of pixels. A further determination occurs for sets of classified data associated with regions of interest (ROIs) according to the determined class type. Masking data associated with the sets of classified data is provided and confidence measures associated with the sets of classified data and the ROIs are determined. Bits are then allocated for groups of pixels based on the masking data and the confidence measures. Thereafter, a bit stream with the bits can be transmitted for playback on a computing device.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for selecting fragments of a media item. An estimated bandwidth for a client is calculated. A confidence score for the estimated bandwidth is determined. When the confidence score falls below a threshold, the estimated bandwidth is modified. A fragment for the media item is selected using the modified estimated bandwidth.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable stereoscopic content to be delivered. These techniques including encoding frames of stereoscopic video content within a base layer and temporal enhancement layer and decoding the encoded frames.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable a two-dimensional (2D) representation of three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality content to be generated and encoded. These techniques include modifying non-display pixels within the 2D representation to soften the transitions between display pixels and non-display pixels.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable a two-dimensional (2D) representation of three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) content to be encoded. These techniques include encoding VR content while excluding non-display pixels of the VR content from motion estimation during encoder processing.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable virtual reality content to be delivered. These techniques include encoding frames of stereoscopic virtual reality content and decoding reference frames of the stereoscopic virtual reality content for non-viewed sections of the virtual reality content.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable digital images to be delivered using a video codec that operates according to a video encoding standard. These techniques include encoding digital images as frames of video content files, and decoding the frames of the video content files to display the images.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable the use of variable bit rate (VBR) encoding for live content.

Abstract: Techniques are described for identifying pixel locations using a transformation function. A transformation function is identified based on the projection space of a 2D representation, and pixel locations are generated using the transformation function.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable virtual reality content to be delivered. These techniques include decoding reference frames of video content for non-viewed sections of the video content.

Abstract: Techniques are described for decoding portions of image frames for virtual reality (VR) media content. A field of view of a viewer within a VR environment can be determined and used to decode a portion of an image frame that provides image content for that portion. The other portions of the image frame that are not within the image frame can remain non-decoded when not in the visible field of view.

Abstract: Techniques are described by which multiple, independently encoded video streams may be combined into a single decodable video stream. These techniques take advantage of existing features of commonly used video codecs that support the independent encoding of different regions of an image frame (e.g., H.264 slices or HEVC tiles). Instead of including different parts of the same image, each region corresponds to the encoded image data of the frames of one of the independent video streams.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable initiating playback of a media fragment before the entire fragment has been downloaded. Also described are techniques that enable a more granular approach to the way in which a client device requests and plays back media fragments.

Abstract: Techniques are described for encoding image frames of media content to be displayed within a three-dimensional projection space. Characteristics of the image frame when transformed to fit within the projection space can be determined and used to generate encoding parameters. The image frame can then be encoded using those encoding parameters, and therefore, improve the playback of the media content when it is displayed within the projection space.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable initiating playback of a media fragment before the entire fragment has been downloaded. Also described are techniques that enable a more granular approach to the way in which a client device requests and plays back media fragments.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable the use of variable bit rate (VBR) encoding for live content.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating the delivery of digital content using gossip protocols. A group of client devices share information about network conditions in sideband communications using a gossip protocol. Each of the client devices then uses this information to make decisions about how to access content. By providing accurate and current information about network conditions the occurrence of buffering events and/or fatal errors may be significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A technology for aspect ratio validation is provided. An object may be detected in a visual media presentation. The detected object may be compared to a first candidate aspect ratio object of a same class of objects as the object. The detected object may also be compared to a second candidate aspect ratio object, which may also be of a same class of objects as the detected object. A determination may be made as to which of the first and second candidate aspect ratio objects the object corresponds.