Broadcasting video with good quality on 3G networks is a hard problem. Unlike unicast where the stream for each receiver can be adapted to its particular loss rate and network conditions, and packet retransmission can also help with reliability, broadcast must deal with a multitude of receivers with varying connections and must instead rely on error resiliency for video streaming. Dealing with this problem specifically on CDMA2000, employing scalable video coding (SVC) alongside selective repetition of base-layer video is found to be more effective than simply using SVC in conjunction with forward error correction (FEC). The novel idea of retransmitting the base layer as part of the subsequent frame (protected by FEC) and reducing the amount of parity overall in order to maintain the same bit rate is shown to achieve better video quality results over lossy broadcast conditions.

Investigators of video broadcast over code division multiple access (CDMA) networks can learn from the excellent introduction of the paper, outlining the problem statement and general state of the art, and can go on to gain insight into the novel approach presented as well as its thoroughly tested results and conclusions. The easy-to-read, concise, and clear writing of the paper is a great treatment of the complex technological aspects involved and is accessible to even those outside of the area of SVC video streaming. Perhaps the greatest aspect of the paper is its focus on practical solutions to the problem that can be used by practitioners and implementers as well as academics.