Key Reference Frame Selection for VVC Encoding

Abstract

This paper presents a simple approach to encode video sequences by selecting an optimal Intra encoded frame (I-frame). I-frames in Versatile Video Coding (VVC) random access mode influence the bitrate required for the remaining frames in the group of pictures (GOP). Hence, we carry out a full search for the optimal frame in the first GOP and select an I-frame with significant spatiotemporal information. We apply this technique to encode JVET sequences using VVC random access mode. Results show that an average bit rate savings (based on Bjøntegaard Delta metric) of approximately 1.2% on the Y-channel.