Optimal coding rate control for scalable streaming media

Perhaps the major technical problem in streaming media on demand over the Internet is the need to adapt to changing network conditions. In this paper, we investigate the problem of coding rate control , or equivalently quality adaptation, in response to changing network conditions such as the onset of congestion. Using the theory of optimal linear quadratic control, we design an efficient online rate control algorithm. Extensive analytical and experimental results show that three goals are achieved: fast startup (about 1 s delay without bursting), continuous playback in the face of severe congestion, and maximal quality and smoothness over the entire streaming session. We argue that our algorithm complements any transport protocol, and we demonstrate that it works effectively with both TCP and TFRC transport protocols.