scope:

The development of image compression algorithms can be facilitated by performance comparisons to reference images and algorithms.

This Recommendation provides a reference image set that is to be used as a consistent baseline for future image compression work. For example, results of compression algorithm experiments and image quality tests can be compared by a broad range of users, knowing that the input image data is identical.

The images in this Recommendation include the original eight "ITU-T reference images" (also known as the "CCITT images"), two bi-level test charts, a grayscale test chart, various screened half-tone images, electronically dithered images, computer-generated images, grayscale images and colour images.

The specimens reproduced in the figures inside this Recommendation are given for illustration purposes and are not suitable for measurements.