ISO IEC 14496-10-2025 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 14496-10:2025 — Information technology — Coding of audio‑visual objects — Part 10: Advanced video coding. This edition defines the AVC/H.264 video coding specification, including bitstream syntax, profiles and levels, decoding processes, and normative conformance criteria for interoperable advanced video coding of audio‑visual objects.

Abstract

This international standard (edition 11, 2025) specifies Advanced Video Coding (AVC, also known as H.264) for efficient compression and delivery of video within MPEG‑4 systems and related file/formats. It defines the network abstraction layer (NAL), coded slice and macroblock semantics, entropy coding modes, supplemental enhancement information (SEI) and video usability information (VUI) elements used to ensure interoperable encoder/decoder behaviour.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 11 July 2025
• Publisher: ISO and IEC (ISO/IEC JTC 1 — SC 29)
• ICS / categories: 35.040.40 (Coding of audio, picture, multimedia and hypermedia information)
• Edition / version: Edition 11.0 (2025)
• Number of pages: 997

Scope

The document specifies the syntax and semantics of the AVC/H.264 coded bitstream and the normative decoding process required for conformance. It covers NAL unit structures, profiles and levels that target a range of applications from low‑complexity real‑time encoding to high‑quality broadcasting, plus SEI and VUI elements used to convey auxiliary information. The standard is technically aligned with the ITU‑T H.264 line of recommendations and is intended for interoperable codec implementations across devices and services.

Key topics and requirements

• Network Abstraction Layer (NAL) and bitstream formatting for transport and storage
• Profiles and levels (Baseline, Main, High and related profile constraints) defining decoding capabilities
• Intra and inter prediction, macroblock and transform coding, and quantization models
• Entropy coding methods (CAVLC and CABAC) and rate‑distortion considerations
• Slice structures, reference picture management and error resilience tools
• Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) and Video Usability Information (VUI) signalling
• Normative decoder model and conformance test points for interoperability

Typical use and users

This standard is used by codec implementers, semiconductor and SoC designers, streaming and broadcast engineers, media server and player developers, device manufacturers (smartphones, cameras, IPTV set‑top boxes), and organizations creating interoperable media distribution systems. It is also referenced by academic and industrial researchers working on video compression and transport.

Related standards

Closely related documents include ITU‑T Rec. H.264 (the jointly developed AVC specification), other parts of ISO/IEC 14496 (MPEG‑4 Systems, File Format, Audio), and related video coding standards (for example HEVC/ISO‑IEC 23008 series) and file format standards such as ISO/IEC 14496‑12. A draft amendment for ISO/IEC 14496‑10:2025 (DAmd 1) addressing support for additional SEI messages is under development/enquiry.

Keywords

MPEG‑4 Part 10, AVC, H.264, video coding, NAL unit, SEI, VUI, profiles and levels, CABAC, CAVLC, conformance, bitstream

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 14496‑10:2025 is the international standard that defines Advanced Video Coding (AVC, also known as H.264) specifying bitstream syntax, profiles/levels and the normative decoding process for interoperable video coding.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers NAL layer formatting, coded slice and macroblock semantics, prediction and transform techniques, entropy coding (CAVLC/CABAC), SEI/VUI signalling, profiles and levels, and conformance requirements for decoders.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Codec developers, hardware vendors, streaming and broadcast system designers, application developers, and researchers use the standard to build and test interoperable video encoders/decoders and media systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This is the current published edition as of 11 July 2025 (Edition 11.0). Work on an amendment (DAmd 1) to add support for additional SEI messages is in progress (under enquiry/development at the time of publication).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 10 of the ISO/IEC 14496 (MPEG‑4) series; other parts handle systems, file format, audio, and related multimedia specifications, and it is aligned with ITU‑T H.264.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: AVC, H.264, MPEG‑4 Part 10, video codec, NAL, SEI, VUI, CABAC, CAVLC, profiles and levels.