How humans perceive video quality
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes for high video quality, as it can vary from person to person. However, perceptions of video quality are generally influenced by what we are frequently exposed to in society. Just as the fashion choices portrayed on television, in magazines, in stores and on the internet tend to leave their mark, the Hollywood movies and Netflix series we watch day in and day out set the standard for video quality. When we record video on a smartphone, action camera or drone to show friends or share in online communities, in many cases, we will unconsciously think it looks better if it conforms to what we’re used to.
Think about it: if the video is stiller than a Hollywood movie, it probably feels just as off and not quite right as if it’s shakier. And if panning is done in one super stable, robotic motion, wouldn’t that feel a little out of the ordinary? When all is said and done, you want the videos you record and watch to look like they were filmed by a professional cameraperson. This means we’re looking for a perfect, realistic balance, with video stabilization algorithms designed to mimic human movements.
Aligning video stabilization development and testing with the human perspective
Video stabilization quality has so far been largely tested, perceived and defined based on its sheer power and efficiency. To take into account the realistic, human perspective, we need to redefine how we perceive video stabilization quality. If we want to put the capability to create Hollywood-esque professional quality in the hands of everyday users, we need to set that as the standard for video stabilization development and testing.
For more insights on how tomorrow’s video stabilization can take into account the human perspective and how this will affect you, check out our guide, “Reimaging video stabilization quality”. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and engage in dialogue on your view of present and future video capabilities. For inspiration, insights and best practices for the next generation of video stabilization, enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter.
