Fast sample adaptive offset encoding algorithm for HEVC based on intra prediction mode

This paper presents a fast sample adaptive offset (SAO) encoding algorithm in High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). The key idea of a proposed method is to simplify decision of the best SAO edge offset class by exploiting intra prediction mode information instead of exhaustive RD cost calculation for all classes. The proposed method reduces SAO encoding time about 77.3% only with 0.8% BD-rate degradation under common test condition of HEVC reference software version 10.0.