Using JM Reference Software for H.264/AVC Encoding and Decoding

To get started with H.264/AVC encoding and decoding, follow these steps:

1. Download the JM Reference Software: Download the latest JM reference software for H.264/AVC from this link.

2. Open the Solution in Microsoft Visual Studio (MVS): After downloading, locate the jm_vc11.sln file (solution file) and open it in Microsoft Visual Studio (MVS). You can find the solution explorer image here.

3. Build the Solution: From the toolbar menu in MVS, navigate to Build > Batch Build. This action will compile and build all projects within the solution. After completion, you’ll find a folder named “bin” in your current directory. This folder contains numerous configuration files in .cfg format.

4. Configure Encoder Settings: Open the encoder.cfg file located within the “bin” folder. This file contains encoder configurations for your H.264 codec, including settings such as InputFile name, FramesToBeEncoded, and FrameRates. Ensure that the file named “foreman_part_qcif.yuv” exists in the “bin” folder before proceeding.

5. Initiate Encoding Process: Open the command prompt and navigate to your current directory > “bin” folder. Locate the lencod.exe file. Enter the following command in your command line:

   lencod.exe -d encoder.cfg
   

   This command will encode your InputFile and generate test_ref.yuv as a reconstruction file, allowing you to review the result of your encoding process. You can view the .yuv files using third-party applications like “yuvplayer”.

6. Configure Decoder Settings: Open the decoder.cfg file located within the “bin” folder. Ensure that the InputFile is set to “test.264” and the Output is set to “test_dec.yuv”.

7. Initiate Decoding Process: In the command prompt, type:

   ldecod.exe -d decoder.cfg
   

   The decoded output file, “test_dec.yuv”, will be generated. You can play this file using applications like “yuvplayer”.

For additional details about encoder and decoder parameters, refer to the documentation file located in your current directory > “doc” folder.