Subjective QoE based HEVC encoder adaptation scheme for multi-user video streaming

Video streaming over networks has grown rapidly in recent years. Increasing focus has gradually turned from Quality of Service (QoS) awareness to user Quality of Experience (QoE) awareness. In this paper, we propose a subjective QoE model based HEVC encoder adaptation scheme for multi-user video streaming. Firstly, the impact of HEVC encoder on video streams is investigated with different configurations to generate an encoder parameter model. Secondly, considering loss-prone channels, the effect of network impairment factor together with HEVC encoder is taken into account to derive a subjective QoE prediction model. Thirdly, an encoder parameter adaptation scheme is modeled as an optimization problem based on the subjective QoE model and encoder parameter model, aiming at maximizing user satisfaction with constraint bandwidth. To validate the performance of our proposed scheme, a set of simulations are carried out. Compared with fixed encoder parameter method, our proposal achieves maximal end user's MOS and supports the weighted encoder adaptation according to the user priority.