Study of potential standardization of digital freeze frame video codecs

The purpose of the study was to investigate feasibility of establishing Federal standards for digital Freeze Frame Video Codecs for use in video teleconferencing systems. Its objective was to identify and quantify where feasible those parameters which require standardization in order to achieve interoperability and compatibility in digital Freeze Frame video transmission for teleconferencing systems. The methodology employed in the study included the following key elements: (1) survey industry to determine who manufactures Freeze Frame codecs; (2) solicit vendor codec information, study, and analyze Freeze Frame codecs; (3) compare key codec characteristics and parameters; (4) investigate existing digital Freeze Frame TV systems; and (5) coordinate with government and other agencies concerned with standardization and interoperability. The scope of this effort involved the solicitation of information provided voluntarily from codec vendors. It did not include the testing of Freeze Frame codecs or teleconferencing systems. Further, the establishment of standards for the parameters of Freeze Frame codecs was not part of this study.