The MPEG-4 systems and description languages: A way ahead in audio visual information representation

The state of the standardization of the Systems part of ISO/IECJTC1/SC29/WG11 (MPEG-4 Systems) as specified early 1997 is presented. First, a rationale and the architecture of the complete Systems are described. Based on the rapid technological advances in software and in hardware, the MPEG-4 Systems provides for a framework for the integration of natural and synthetic streamed and synchronised media. The different fields of interest in Systems are then developed from the description of audiovisual scenes to the definition of the multiplex, The programmability of the standard is described for composition and decompression and the language adopted by MPEG-4 on purpose of syntax description is fully detailed. Finally, a conclusion and the future evolutions of the specifications are presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.