Encoding, Compression, Quantum and Today’s Video Quality Imperative
by Paul Scardino
Palm Bay, Fla., May 17, 2024--Imagery and video now account for over 80% of the world’s online content. Video experts and everyday video consumers alike agree that today’s connected content requires more robust networks. Consequently, video compression and encryption are now essential to modern communication infrastructures. Maintaining high video quality is non-negotiable; however, video transmission is restricted due to challenges in bandwidth, security and latency, which can in commercial scenarios affect the quality of the experience and in mission-critical applications like defense, can influence mission success and even the safety of soldiers.
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Optimizing Video Streams
Video distribution needs to be global, even at the network’s periphery where bandwidth is often constrained. Optimizing video streaming for such conditions is key. Employing methods like adaptive bitrate streaming and choosing efficient codecs are imperative strategies to improve video delivery. Enhanced performance at lower bit rates means you can stream more video content or make video streaming feasible where it was previously impossible, all without exceeding existing network bandwidth limits.
However, video compression and streaming are resource-heavy processes. Besides the need for low bitrate performance in environments that are remote, mobile, or tactical, where resources are limited, the need for additional power can mean using extra batteries or decreased operational time. Therefore, opting for power-efficient codecs and hardware tailored for these specific applications is crucial.
Furthermore, high compression ratios in video streaming can result in artifacting and distortion between frames, which may adversely affect the clarity and functionality of the video. While high compression in video streaming can lead to a loss in quality, codecs like AV1 stand out for their efficiency. They offer reduced distortion and superior motion estimation, which are critical for maintaining video integrity, especially in applications where clarity is paramount.
AV1’s advanced algorithms and higher bit depth processing ensure that even with significant compression (bitrates less than 200 Kbps), the video remains as clear and usable as possible.
Defending Against Quantum AI
In the fast-evolving world of video streaming, security is critical. Traditional encrypted communication networks and legacy encryption methods like AES256 are no longer sufficient on their own. Advances in cyber capabilities suggest that these traditional forms of cryptography may not be as secure against sophisticated attacks, especially with the rise of quantum computing and AI-enhanced technologies. The emergence of AI technology has brought about a significant challenge to the authenticity of video content, known as deepfakes. These sophisticated AI creations can produce highly deceptive videos that closely resemble authentic footage.
In response to these threats, the cybersecurity community is actively researching and developing new encryption methods to resist quantum-computing attacks. The answer is post-quantum, also known as quantum-resistant, encryption methodologies. NIST states these post-quantum (PQ) cryptographic algorithms are designed to secure data against the capabilities of future quantum computers.
It’s a common assumption that enhanced compression and encoding capabilities, coupled with significantly improved security, would inevitably lead to increased latency -- the time delay between the capture of a video frame and its display after being processed. However, this isn’t necessarily true. With the application of the latest technology applied to AV1, we can drive HD video encoding latency below 20ms while protecting it with PQ Encryption and compressing it to extremely low bit rates (less than 50 kbps).
Introducing VASTTM
Video Assured Secure Transmission or VASTTM is Reticulate Micro’s software-based, real-time streaming video and image encoding technology based on the latest open standard AV1 codec. VAST supports real-time encoding of video at bitrates lower than legacy codecs such as H.264 and HEVC/H.265, while offering upwards of 5000:1 compression ratio for still images for huge storage savings.
Tuned to address ultra-low bandwidth requirements by more than half the compression capability of other encoders. VAST shines at sending higher quality video and imaging over any network, including low-bandwidth networks that could previously only support voice.
Based on AV1 open-source specification, VAST exploits the use of extremely efficient software encoding for real-time video streaming. This unique encoding, decoding, compression and decompression methodology is integrated with post-quantum encryption.
Using an open-source standard for video allows for anyone to view the video with any supported playback tool, but using the VAST encoder and player together provides the ability to leverage post-quantum encryption of the video. Along with AI-based networking to allow the player to tell the encoder that there is congestion on the network, VAST uses AI to adjust the source compression and maintain a solid stream.
Conclusion
In the face of emerging threats of electronic warfare, real-time hacking and AI, the broadcast and defense community must embrace the latest advances in video streaming. The future of secure video and imagery depends upon prioritizing video capabilities to follow best practices while embracing a PQ security mindset.
Reticulate Micro’s VAST™ video-encoding platform specifically addresses these critical situational and cybersecurity issues and provides a significant leap in performance and the first commercially available PQ encryption capability specifically designed for streaming video.
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Paul Scardino is EVP of Sales and Chief Strategy Officer for Reticulate Micro, a defense and commercial technology company dedicated to delivering trusted and resilient communications over any transport and in any environment. Reticulate is building the world’s first quantum-protected open-source platform for robust video streaming, simplified terminal management and multi-orbit satellite connectivity. Prior to Reticulate, Paul held senior leadership roles at Comtech, L3Harris Technologies, Speedcast and Globecomm Systems, Inc. He can be reached at:
paul@reticulate.io
