ISO/IEC 23090-3:2022

Overview

ISO/IEC 23090-3:2022 - "Information technology - Coded representation of immersive media - Part 3: Versatile Video Coding (VVC)" - specifies the syntax, semantics and required decoding processes for the Versatile Video Coding (VVC) video coding technology. Published as the second edition in 2022 and developed jointly with ITU‑T (as H.266), this international standard defines a highly efficient, versatile video coding format intended to support a broad range of bit rates, resolutions and services for immersive and conventional video use.

Important scope notes:

• The standard mandates the bitstream format, semantics and externally observable decoder behavior.
• It does not standardize encoder implementations, pre/post‑processing, system signalling/multiplexing, data‑loss recovery, or internal decoder algorithms beyond external outputs.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Versatile Video Coding (VVC) syntax and semantics for bitstream representation.
• Decoding process requirements covering NAL units, slice and picture decoding, intra/inter prediction, transform and inverse transform, quantization, in‑loop filtering (deblocking, SAO, ALF), and reconstruction.
• Bitstream formats and parsing, including byte‑stream format, raw byte sequence payloads, and alignment rules.
• Profiles, tiers and levels, with normative annexes defining operational ranges and level semantics (includes level extensions such as level 6.3).
• Supplemental data and signalling: SEI (Supplemental Enhancement Information), timing and HRD parameters.
• Entropy coding and parsing: specification of CABAC parsing, Exp‑Golomb code handling and related parsing procedures.
• Normative annexes such as a hypothetical reference decoder and byte‑stream format for interoperability and conformance testing.

Practical applications

ISO/IEC 23090-3:2022 is designed to enable interoperable video data interchange across applications, including:

• Television broadcasting and next‑generation broadcast services.
• OTT streaming and digital storage media requiring efficient compression at high resolutions (4K/8K) and HDR.
• Real‑time communication (video conferencing, low‑latency streaming) where compression efficiency and versatility matter.
• Immersive media workflows (VR/AR) that need flexible coding for varied projection formats and multi‑view content.

Who uses this standard

• Codec developers and decoder implementers building VVC‑compliant software or hardware decoders.
• System integrators and broadcasters requiring clear bitstream and decoder behavior for interoperability.
• Streaming platforms, device manufacturers and content producers evaluating codec capabilities and compliance.
• Standards bodies and testing labs performing conformance and interoperability testing.

Related standards

• ITU‑T H.266 (VVC) - same core specification harmonized with ISO/IEC 23090‑3.
• Other parts of the ISO/IEC 23090 series covering coded representation of immersive media (for system‑level and ancillary specifications).

Keywords: ISO/IEC 23090-3:2022, VVC, versatile video coding, video coding standard, immersive media, decoder specification, bitstream, profiles tiers levels, SEI, CABAC, video compression.