Ericsson, Nokia, and Fraunhofer HHI Collaborate to Set Standards for 6G Video Coding Technology

New Era of Video Coding: Ericsson, Nokia, and Fraunhofer HHI Join Forces

In a groundbreaking initiative, telecommunications giants Ericsson and Nokia have collaborated with the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) to establish the next generation of video coding standards for the upcoming 6G era. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the quest for technology that is not only more efficient but also supports the demands of modern mobile and immersive media experiences.

The collaboration brings together the extensive research expertise of all three partners, combining their knowledge to push the boundaries of video coding technology. The development of a new video codec has already demonstrated impressive compression efficiencies, surpassing existing standards such as H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, and H.266/VVC. Notably, this advancement does so while maintaining low complexity and enhancing both energy efficiency and scalability.

This joint effort represents a critical milestone in the standardization of video codecs, paving the way for its upcoming submission to important regulatory bodies, including the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group and the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). Their positive evaluation is expected to catalyze further advancements towards the finalization and adoption of the new video codec standard.

As 6G technology is projected to roll out between 2029 and 2030, the implications of this partnership extend far beyond immediate applications. The new video standard is set to redefine the digital media landscape for the subsequent decade, establishing protocols that empower new forms of content creation and distribution.

Among the anticipated applications of the upcoming video codec are enhanced mobile communication and streaming services, tailored for low-latency and immersive experiences. Whether for professional productions, user-generated content, or AI-driven media, this technological leap will support various content types—including gaming and 3D visuals—ensuring robust performance in diverse environments.

Magnus Frodigh, Head of Research at Ericsson, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "As a global connectivity leader, Ericsson is perfectly positioned to research and drive 6G enablement capabilities. We are proud to partner with Nokia and Fraunhofer HHI to merge our research expertise in video coding to shape the next standard. This achievement highlights our resolve to lead in the technology landscape of the future."

Ville-Veikko Mattila, Head of Multimedia Technologies at Nokia, expressed excitement about shaping the future of video standards, drawing on the company’s historical involvement in video coding development over the past 30 years. He noted that by engaging at the early stages of standardization, Nokia aims to integrate values of openness, excellence, and sustainability into future digital media experiences.

Professor Thomas Wiegand, Executive Director at Fraunhofer HHI, added, "Video technologies are central to the digital experiences of tomorrow. Our joint research bolsters Europe's reputation in advanced media technologies and towards global standardization efforts. This collaboration also reflects ongoing contributions from the broader JVET research community, continuing to foster innovation in next-generation video coding."

As these three industry leaders push forward, the video coding landscape is set for significant transformation, driven by a commitment to advancing technology for the betterment of media experiences. With the upcoming standardization, users can look forward to more efficient, high-quality video streaming that caters to the evolving needs of a digital-first world.