A fast data hiding algorithm for H.264/AVC video in bitstream domain

Abstract

There are many algorithms for data hiding in H.264/AVC video sequences, most of which focus on embedding in the decoded domain. However, these schemes always perform badly in embedding speed. Aimed at simplifying computing complexity and developing a fast algorithm, we propose in this paper a new data hiding scheme for H.264/AVC video with a high embedding speed. Instead of hiding data into the elements in the encoding process, we analyze the structure of H.264/AVC video bitstream and look for appropriate bits to modify in order to minimize the change caused to the original stream. Our algorithm chooses the last byte of those less important NALU (Network Abstraction Layer Unit) to hide secret data. The experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm achieves an impressive embedding speed while maintaining good visual quality and embedding capacity.