A set of template matching predictors for intra video coding

Prediction methods by template matching are often mentioned to improve video coding efficiency. They are based on a Markovian model to find the most similar patterns of texture in previously encoded information. These kinds of methods are more efficient than H.264/AVC intra prediction modes in many cases, such as complex texture coding. However, the template matching method is not always optimal as to the best predictor choice. This paper introduces the use of a sorted set of template matching predictors to propose different texture patterns. At the encoder side, the best predictor is selected by minimizing a rate-distortion metric and is transmitted to the decoder. Despite this needed additional side information, simulation results show that the proposed scheme further improves the coding efficiency of H.264/AVC up to 11%.