Rec. ITU-T H.264 (03/2009) iii
CONTENTS
Page
0
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 1
0.1 Prologue..................................................................................................................................................... 1
0.2 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
0.3 Applications............................................................................................................................................... 1
0.4 Publication and versions of this specification............................................................................................ 1
0.5 Profiles and levels...................................................................................................................................... 2
0.6 Overview of the design characteristics ...................................................................................................... 3
0.6.1 Predictive coding ............................................................................................................................... 3
0.6.2 Coding of progressive and interlaced video....................................................................................... 3
0.6.3 Picture partitioning into macroblocks and smaller partitions............................................................. 4
0.6.4 Spatial redundancy reduction............................................................................................................. 4
0.6.5 How to read this specification............................................................................................................ 4
1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
2 Normative references......................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Definitions ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
4 Abbreviations..................................................................................................................................................... 13
5 Conventions ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Arithmetic operators .................................................................................................................................. 13
5.2 Logical operators ....................................................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Relational operators ................................................................................................................................... 14
5.4 Bit-wise operators ...................................................................................................................................... 14
5.5 Assignment operators................................................................................................................................. 15
5.6 Range notation ........................................................................................................................................... 15
5.7 Mathematical functions.............................................................................................................................. 15
5.8 Order of operation precedence................................................................................................................... 16
5.9 Variables, syntax elements, and tables....................................................................................................... 17
5.10 Text description of logical operations........................................................................................................ 18
5.11 Processes.................................................................................................................................................... 19
6 Source, coded, decoded and output data formats, scanning processes, and neighbouring relationships ........... 19
6.1 Bitstream formats....................................................................................................................................... 19
6.2 Source, decoded, and output picture formats ............................................................................................. 19
6.3 Spatial subdivision of pictures and slices................................................................................................... 24
6.4 Inverse scanning processes and derivation processes for neighbours ........................................................ 25
6.4.1 Inverse macroblock scanning process................................................................................................ 25
6.4.2 Inverse macroblock partition and sub-macroblock partition scanning process.................................. 26
6.4.2.1 Inverse macroblock partition scanning process ........................................................................... 27
6.4.2.2 Inverse sub-macroblock partition scanning process..................................................................... 27
6.4.3 Inverse 4x4 luma block scanning process .......................................................................................... 27
6.4.4 Inverse 4x4 Cb or Cr block scanning process for ChromaArrayType equal to 3............................... 28
6.4.5 Inverse 8x8 luma block scanning process .......................................................................................... 28
6.4.6 Inverse 8x8 Cb or Cr block scanning process for ChromaArrayType equal to 3............................... 28
6.4.7 Derivation process of the availability for macroblock addresses....................................................... 28
6.4.8 Derivation process for neighbouring macroblock addresses and their availability............................ 28
6.4.9 Derivation process for neighbouring macroblock addresses and their availability in MBAFF
frames .............................................................................................................................................. 29
6.4.10 Derivation processes for neighbouring macroblocks, blocks, and partitions ..................................... 30
6.4.10.1 Derivation process for neighbouring macroblocks ...................................................................... 31
6.4.10.2 Derivation process for neighbouring 8x8 luma block.................................................................. 31
6.4.10.3 Derivation process for neighbouring 8x8 chroma blocks for ChromaArrayType equal to 3....... 32
6.4.10.4 Derivation process for neighbouring 4x4 luma blocks ................................................................ 32
6.4.10.5 Derivation process for neighbouring 4x4 chroma blocks ............................................................ 32
6.4.10.6 Derivation process for neighbouring 4x4 chroma blocks for ChromaArrayType equal to 3....... 33
6.4.10.7 Derivation process for neighbouring partitions............................................................................ 33
6.4.11 Derivation process for neighbouring locations .................................................................................. 34
6.4.11.1 Specification for neighbouring locations in fields and non-MBAFF frames ............................... 35
