Using Java to prototype a H.264/AVC decoder

Abstract

This paper presents our experiences in using Java to prototype a H.264 decoder and to develop accompanying tools: GUI-based diagnostic applications and demos of subalgorithms. The project is aimed at preparing a reliable basis for implementing the video coding standard in hardware. The pros and cons of the Java programming language are discussed in terms of developing both such advanced DSP algorithms and applications using them. Especially, high productivity is pointed out as an advantage of Java over C/C++, which is related not only to the language itself but also to the rich toolset provided as the bundle of the JDK and NetBeans.