scope:

This technical report specifies the method for measuring the peak-signal-to-noise-ratio (PSNR) of oneway video transmission systems, as shown in Figure 1. The objective PSNR measurement is defined for the end-to-end transmission quality between the two points shown in Figure 1.

This report specifies the measurement method for PSNR based on the availability of the full reference video signal as shown in Figure 1. Normalization of the processed video is required before application of PSNR measurement method contained in this technical report. Technical Report T1.TR.73-2001 specifies the recommended normalization procedure for the processed video and 5.2 specifies the normalization accuracy required of this normalization procedure.

The PSNR measurement method is based on processing 8-bit digital component video as defined by ITUR Recommendation BT.601.¹ The encoder shown in Figure 1 can utilize various compression methods (MPEG, NTSC, etc.). In addition, the transmission channel may include a concatenation of compression methods and digital components or be a simple pass-through for evaluation of a codec (encoder/decoder combination). Results of the PSNR measurement method are stated in decibels (dB).

Purpose

This technical report provides the technical description of an objective video quality measurement method that is currently in use within the U.S. While improved methods may be developed in the future, this technical report provides a video quality measurement method that may be used to support the interconnection and interoperability of telecommunications networks at interfaces with end-user systems, carriers, information and enhanced-service providers, and customer premise equipment.

¹ This does not preclude implementation of the PSNR measurement method for one-way video transmission systems that utilize composite video input and outputs. Specification of the conversion between composite and component domains is not part of this technical report. SMPTE 170M specifies one method for performing this conversion.