JPEG XS: Bridging the Gap Between Quality and Bandwidth in Professional Applications

JPEG XS, a modern image and video compression system, was developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group and became an international standard in ISO/IEC 21122 2019 (updated in 2022). Unlike MPEG-2, AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265 video standards that primarily focused on compression ratios, JPEG XS prioritizes three critical features: visually lossless quality, ultra-low latency and low computational complexity. This unique combination of attributes positions JPEG XS as a preferred video codec for a wide range of demanding applications, where stringent requirements for high-fidelity image and video reproduction, instantaneous response times, and efficient resource utilization are essential.

The need for JPEG XS arose from the limitations of uncompressed video: as video resolutions ascend to 4K, 8K, and beyond, the bandwidth requirements for uncompressed transmission become untenable. This creates bottlenecks in various mission-critical applications, including remote video production, medical imaging, and autonomous vehicles.

JPEG XS addresses these challenges head-on by offering a compelling set of benefits:

• Visually Lossless Quality: JPEG XS maintains perfect image fidelity, a critical requirement for applications demanding precise detail.
• Ultra-Low Latency: Near-instantaneous processing, with less than 10 milliseconds latency, ensures real-time video transmission without perceivable delays.
• Low Computational Complexity: Efficient algorithms make JPEG XS hardware and software friendly, enabling seamless integration into existing workflows with significantly less CPU power required than using codecs like AVC, HEVC or VVC.
• Significant Bandwidth Reduction: By effectively compressing video data, JPEG XS dramatically reduces the bandwidth required for transmission, leading to cost savings and improved network efficiency.

The specific applications of JPEG XS capitalize on its ability to solve these problems. Key areas of application include:

• Broadcast and Production: Streamlining live feeds and remote production workflows by enabling efficient transmission over limited bandwidth connections.
• Medical Imaging: Enabling visually lossless transmission of high-resolution medical content for remote consultations and diagnostics, facilitating improved patient care.
• Autonomous Vehicles: Ensuring real-time, high-fidelity video for accurate obstacle detection and fast decision-making by autonomous systems, leading to enhanced safety and performance.
• Industrial Automation: Supporting real-time video monitoring and control in factory settings, promoting operational efficiency and quality assurance.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality: Delivering high-quality, low-latency video for seamless and immersive experiences, creating new possibilities for training, design, and entertainment.

MainConcept's latest advancements in MPEG Transport Stream and MXF cater to seamless live transmission and file-based solutions, making it easier to incorporate JPEG XS essence. In recent developments, the MainConcept MPEG Multiplexer has been extended to support the incorporation of JPEG XS essence into MPEG Transport Stream, with optimized performance for managing high-bitrate streams. This advancement facilitates the seamless integration of JPEG XS content into low-latency live transmission applications.

Additionally, the MainConcept MXF Multiplexer and MXF Demultiplexer have been updated to handle encapsulated JPEG XS essence into MXF files, empowering file-based solutions in video editing and post-production to capitalize on the benefits of JPEG XS compression.

The company’s ongoing efforts focus on integrating the JPEG XS encoder and decoder to offer both CPU-based and hardware-accelerated GPU-based processing, aiming to enhance performance and versatility across diverse applications.

Interested in leveraging the power of JPEG XS technology for your business? Reach out to us today to learn more.