LIVE-G - Low-latency Video over 5G
Mobile connectivity is currently stepping into the fifth-generation wireless network (5G) wave. 5G technology promises significant improvements compared to its 3G/4G predecessors such as reduced network congestion, higher and more reliable bandwidths and significantly lower network delays. 5G will be better suited for mission-critical communications, massive Internet-of-Things connectivity, immersive video/AR/VR streaming and enhanced mobile broadband in general.
Video streaming applications, and in particular the delivery of live-events such as sport games, esports or concerts, still poses significant technological challenges for broadcasters. For end-users, low-delay video streaming is known to be a key driver and differentiator for additional video uptake. In terms of viewer experience, end-users require both low-delay streaming and fast channel switching times in order to remain inclined to spend time on a video platform.
The objective of this project is to investigate low-delay end-to-end contribution and distribution for live-event broadcasting over mobile 5G networks
The objective of this project is to investigate low-delay end-to-end contribution and distribution for live-event broadcasting over mobile 5G networks. This project will investigate and exploit advances in novel mobile network technologies, video coding techniques and transport protocols in order to reduce delays and zapping times and to increase the overall quality of mobile video streaming applications.
In depth research will be done along the following directions:
- Reliable low-delay video contribution strategies by making use of dedicated public and private 5G network slices and comparing this to current bonded 4G and VSAT contribution solutions.
- Optimal encoding and transport protocols for low-delay high-quality video contribution over 5G.
- Multicasting approaches for video distribution over 5G, reaching more simultaneous viewers or devices while reducing the required encoding resources and bandwidth.
- Optimal encoding and transport protocols to achieve low-delay multicast video distribution over mobile 5G networks.
- Efficient and scalable distribution of multiple videos over mobile 5G networks with ultra low latency, cross-stream bandwidth optimization, synchronized playback and instantaneous switching between live camera feeds.
Our industry partners within the LIVE-G project are: THEO Technologies, Citymesh, Telenet, and Videohouse. Both IDLab-MEDIA and the wireless network team of IDLab are involved as imec research groups. VRT will participate as strategic user-group partner.
