An Efficient Mode Selection Algorithm for H.264 Encoder for Application in Low Computational Power Devices

H.264/AVC, the latest video coding standard, outperforms the other standards by maximizing the video quality and minimizing the bit rate. To achieve better coding efficiency, H.264/AVC uses several techniques such as inter mode and intra mode prediction with variable size motion compensation, which adopts Rate Distortion Optimization RDO). This increases the computational complexity of the encoder especially for devices with lower processing capabilities such as mobile and other handheld devices. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to reduce the number of mode and sub mode evaluations in inter mode prediction. Experimental results show that this fast intra mode selection algorithm can lessen about 72% encoding time with little loss of bitrate and visual quality.