Video buffering verifier

The video buffering verifier (VBV) is a theoretical MPEG video buffer used to assess whether a video stream complies with the MPEG standard buffering requirements. By definition, the VBV buffer shall not overflow nor underflow when its input is a compliant stream except the case of low_delay. It is therefore important when encoding such a stream that it comply with the VBV requirements.

The buffer is filled up with a constant rate and emptied in varying chunks depending on the size of the coded frame.

Many popular video encoders support this standard, including Xvid and DivX.

In the H.264 standard, the VBV is called the Coded Picture Buffer (CPB).

References

* [http://www.zenith.com/sub_hdtv/mpeg_tutorial/VBV.HTM MPEG Tutorial - Video Buffering Verifier]