JPEG XS Is the New ‘Visually Lossless’ Compression Standard for VR/AR

Image: PSVR

Many improvements have been made to image processing in the past several years. High-resolution images, like those in VR, require new software solutions to handle all that extra data. This is especially true in the case of video streaming where the data needs to be compressed or else buffering and latency can occur. A new compression algorithm called JPEG XS attempts to solve this problem.

JPEG XS – A New Format of Image Compression for Live Streaming in VR/AR

The Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) just unveiled a new compression standard called JPEG XS. This standard provides better image compression results with low-energy consumption. It’s designed to deliver high-quality images at low latency over the broadband networks of the future, like 5G.

The energy efficient compression process of the JPEG XS will allow for images and videos that have an extremely high level of detail. Fraunhofer IIS, one of the co-developers behind JPEX XS, says that the new format will deliver “visually lossless quality.” The JPEG XS standard will support 8K and will feature frame-rates anywhere from 24 to 120 fps with compression ratios in the range of 6:1.

Even though the compressed files end up being larger in size, they can still be streamed over high-speed WiFi and 5G. This is the main goal of the JPEG XS format that aims to tackle the problem of image quality while streaming without the need to store files locally on a smartphone or any other devices.

This means that the JPEG XS will allow live-streaming of your favorite VR Porn content and will deliver a completely seamless and hassle-free experience.

Image: VR Focus

This project for JPEG XS is headed by Touradj Ebrahimi, a professor in EPFL’s School of Engineering (STI). In one of his prepared statements, Ebrahimi said: “For the first time in the history of image coding, we are compressing less in order to better preserve quality, and we are making the process faster while using less energy. We want to be smarter in how we do things. The idea is to use less resources, and use them more wisely. This is a real paradigm shift.”

While further explaining the application-use of JPEG XS, Ebrahimi continued: “In the immediate future, JPEG XS will be put to use in professional applications like movie editing, space imagery and professional-grade cameras. Consumer electronics will come next, including self-driving cars, virtual reality, augmented reality, and wireless connections between multimedia devices and TV monitors or projectors.”

He further added: “To be able to use JPEG XS, consumers will need to own the next generation of devices. In terms of software, they will probably just need to run an update, like they do from time to time on their computers and smartphones anyway.”

JPEG is currently waiting for an final approval from International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for its new format. We expect it to be featured in different VR/AR products and services later this year.