Abstract: A computer-implemented method for anonymizing media files for testing may include (i) identifying a computing process that processes media files, (ii) identifying a media file with at least one characteristic expected to produce output usable for improving the computing process when used as input data to perform a test of the computing process, (iii) anonymizing the media file by replacing content in the media file with predetermined filler content while maintaining the at least one characteristic in a valid state for producing the output usable for improving the computing process, and (iv) initiating the test of the computing process using the anonymized media file as the input data such that the output of the test can be used to improve the computing process. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Approaches to selectively using start code emulation prevention (“SCEP”) on encoded data for media content are described herein. For example, a media encoder selectively performs SCEP processing on encoded data for media content, and sets a value of a syntax element that indicates whether or not to perform SCEP processing on the encoded data. The encoder stores the encoded data for output as part of a bitstream, where the syntax element is signaled in association with the bitstream. A media decoder receives the encoded data, determines, from the value of the syntax element, whether or not to perform SCEP processing on the encoded data, and selectively performs SCEP processing on the encoded data. In this way, the computational cost of scanning operations for SCEP processing can be avoided in many scenarios, and bit rate increases due to insertion of SCEP bytes can be limited.

Abstract: A video encoder or video decoder buffers multiple blocks of a reconstructed picture of a video sequence. The video encoder/decoder performs deblock filtering between at least some of the multiple blocks. As part of the deblock filtering, the video encoder/decoder selectively filters at least some sample values in a diagonal line that crosses a block-boundary intersection between two diagonally adjacent blocks. When filtering sample values at the block-boundary intersection between four blocks, the video encoder/decoder can evaluate characteristics of all four blocks and adjust sample values in a line between diagonally adjacent blocks. If there is a large visual difference between sample values at corner positions of two diagonally adjacent blocks, the difference can be smoothed by filtering sample values in a diagonal line. In this way, the quality of motion-compensated prediction using the reconstructed picture is improved in many cases.

Abstract: Approaches to selectively using start code emulation prevention (“SCEP”) on encoded data for media content are described herein. For example, a media encoder selectively performs SCEP processing on encoded data for media content, and sets a value of a syntax element that indicates whether or not to perform SCEP processing on the encoded data. The encoder stores the encoded data for output as part of a bitstream, where the syntax element is signaled in association with the bitstream. A media decoder receives the encoded data, determines, from the value of the syntax element, whether or not to perform SCEP processing on the encoded data, and selectively performs SCEP processing on the encoded data. In this way, the computational cost of scanning operations for SCEP processing can be avoided in many scenarios, and bit rate increases due to insertion of SCEP bytes can be limited.

Abstract: Approaches to selectively using start code emulation prevention (“SCEP”) on encoded data for media content are described herein. For example, a media encoder selectively performs SCEP processing on encoded data for media content, and sets a value of a syntax element that indicates whether or not to perform SCEP processing on the encoded data. The encoder stores the encoded data for output as part of a bitstream, where the syntax element is signaled in association with the bitstream. A media decoder receives the encoded data, determines, from the value of the syntax element, whether or not to perform SCEP processing on the encoded data, and selectively performs SCEP processing on the encoded data. In this way, the computational cost of scanning operations for SCEP processing can be avoided in many scenarios, and bit rate increases due to insertion of SCPE bytes can be limited.

Abstract: Innovations in boundary-intersection-based deblock filtering are described. For example, a video encoder or video decoder buffers multiple blocks of a reconstructed picture of a video sequence. The video encoder/decoder performs deblock filtering between at least some of the multiple blocks. As part of the deblock filtering, the video encoder/decoder selectively filters at least some sample values in a diagonal line that crosses a block-boundary intersection between two diagonally adjacent blocks. When filtering sample values at the block-boundary intersection between four blocks, the video encoder/decoder can evaluate characteristics of all four blocks and adjust sample values in a line between diagonally adjacent blocks. If there is a large visual difference between sample values at corner positions of two diagonally adjacent blocks, the difference can be smoothed by filtering sample values in a diagonal line.

Abstract: Approaches to selectively using start code emulation prevention (“SCEP”) on encoded data for media content are described herein. For example, a media encoder selectively performs SCEP processing on encoded data for media content, and sets a value of a syntax element that indicates whether or not to perform SCEP processing on the encoded data. The encoder stores the encoded data for output as part of a bitstream, where the syntax element is signaled in association with the bitstream. A media decoder receives the encoded data, determines, from the value of the syntax element, whether or not to perform SCEP processing on the encoded data, and selectively performs SCEP processing on the encoded data. In this way, the computational cost of scanning operations for SCEP processing can be avoided in many scenarios, and bit rate increases due to insertion of SCPE bytes can be limited.

Abstract: Innovations are provided for encoding and/or decoding video and/or image content using reduced size inverse transforms. For example, a reduced size inverse transform can be performed during encoding or decoding of video or image content using a subset of coefficients (e.g., primarily non-zero coefficients) of a given block. For example, a bounding area can be determined for a block that encompasses the non-zero coefficients of the block. Meta-data for the block can then be generated, including a shortcut code that indicates whether a reduced size inverse transform will be performed. The inverse transform can then be performed using a subset of coefficients for the block (e.g., identified by the bounding area) and the meta-data, which results in decreased utilization of computing resources. The subset of coefficients and the meta-data can be transferred to a graphics processing unit (GPU), which also results in savings in terms of data transfer.

Abstract: A video encoding system balances memory usage to store interpolated image data with processing resource usage to interpolate image data without encoding quality degradation or with better encoding quality. This balance can be achieved by identifying and interpolating subregions of a reference image. Each subregion is less than the whole reference image, but larger than a search region for any single block of an image for which motion vectors are to be computed. Each interpolated subregion of the reference image is used to compute motion vectors for multiple blocks of an image being encoded. A video encoding system can identify portions of an image being encoded for which sub-pixel resolution motion vectors are not computed. Motion vectors for such portions of the image can be computed using a reference image without interpolation.

Abstract: A method of an aspect includes receiving a dot product instruction. The dot product instruction indicates a first source packed data including at least four data elements, indicates a second source packed data including at least eight data elements, and indicates a destination storage location. A result packed data is stored in the destination storage location in response to the dot product instruction. The result includes a plurality of data elements that each includes a dot product result. Each of the dot product results includes a sum of products of the at least four data elements of the first source packed data with corresponding data elements in a different subset of at least four data elements of the second source packed data. Other methods, apparatus, systems, and instructions are disclosed.

Abstract: A GOP methodology using multiple sub sequences to convey a sequence of video frames is provided herewith.