Analytical model for MPEG video frame loss rates and playback interruptions on packet networks

This paper presents and studies objective video quality evaluation techniques for a network where frame losses can be considered independent, for example a best effort not heavy loaded packet switching network. The total or partial loss of a frame’s information affects the quality of video playback, as the frame cannot be decoded and other frames that depend on it cannot be correctly decoded too. Therefore, during some time the video playback has errors in the image and the user will perceive them as interruptions. In this paper, the total number of decoded frames and the video playback interruptions duration will be considered important parameters to quantify the video quality. The analytical formulation for them will be presented and the importance of considering them together will be highlighted.