ISO/IEC 14496-10:2025

Overview

ISO/IEC 14496-10:2025 - "Information technology - Coding of audio-visual objects - Part 10: Advanced video coding" is the eleventh edition of the international standard that specifies advanced video coding for coding audio‑visual objects. The document defines bitstream formats, syntax and semantics, decoding processes, and normative annexes (profiles/levels, byte‑stream, SEI, VUI) to ensure interoperable, high-efficiency video compression and delivery.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 14496-10:2025, advanced video coding standard, video compression, bitstream format

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

The standard covers the full decoder model and coding tools required for compliant implementations. Major technical topics include:

• Bitstream and NAL unit formats - definitions for raw byte sequence payloads and network abstraction layers.
• Syntax and semantics - detailed tables and descriptions for slice headers, macroblock layers, and RBSP structures.
• Decoding process - procedures for NAL parsing, slice decoding, picture order count, and reference picture management.
• Prediction methods - comprehensive intra and inter prediction processes (4x4, 8x8, 16x16 modes and chroma prediction).
• Transform and quantization - transform coefficient decoding, inverse scanning, scaling, and transform‑bypass cases.
• Entropy coding - support and parsing processes for CAVLC and CABAC.
• Deblocking filter - normative filtering process applied to reconstructed pictures.
• Support for advanced use cases - normative annexes for scalable video coding, multiview video coding, multiview & depth video, and enhanced non‑base view coding.
• Profiles and levels; SEI and VUI - constraints, capabilities and supplemental metadata to aid interoperability and usability.
• Reference materials - hypothetical reference decoder and byte stream guidance for implementers.

Practical Applications and Who Uses This Standard

ISO/IEC 14496-10:2025 is designed for anyone implementing or using standardized video compression technologies, including:

• Codec developers and software vendors building encoders/decoders.
• ASIC/SoC and GPU vendors integrating hardware video codecs.
• Streaming platforms and content delivery networks ensuring compliant bitstreams.
• Broadcast and OTT service providers targeting efficient delivery and interoperability.
• Multimedia application developers (conferencing, surveillance, immersive media).
• Standards bodies, test labs, and interoperability/QA teams performing compliance testing.
• Researchers and educators studying video coding techniques (entropy coding, prediction, multiview).

Keywords: video codec implementation, streaming, broadcasting, hardware encoder

Related Standards

Relevant companion standards and materials often used with ISO/IEC 14496-10:2025 include:

• Byte-stream and container specifications for transport (annexed byte stream format)
• Metadata and signalling standards (SEI, VUI)
• Other ISO/IEC MPEG parts addressing systems, audio, and file formats

Adopting ISO/IEC 14496-10:2025 ensures consistent decoding behavior, efficient compression, and interoperable delivery across devices and services.