h264 chroma_format_idc field in sps
02:30 29 Jun 2026

I am confused that if chroma_format_idc in sps field is 0 (Zero), Do I process Chroma format like 4:2:0 ?

ISO_IEC 14996-10. Table 6-1 – SubWidthC, and SubHeightC values derived from chroma_format_idc and separate_colour_plane_flag

chroma_format_idc seperate_colour_plane_flag Chroma Foramt SubWidthC SubHeightC
0 0 monochrome - -
1 0 4:2:0 2 2
2 0 4:2:2 2 1
3 0 4:4:4 1 1
3 1 4:4:4 - -

According to ISO_IEC 14996-10

7.4.2.1.1 Sequence parameter set data semantics

chroma_format_idc specifies the chroma sampling relative to the luma sampling as specified in subclause 6.2. The value of chroma_format_idc shall be in the range of 0 to 3, inclusive. When chroma_format_idc is not present, it shall be inferred to be equal to 1 (4:2:0 chroma format).

I intend to state that 4:2:0 should be used when chroma_format_idc is unknown; does the case where chroma_format_idc is 0 also fall under the category of "unknown"?

our internal code that forces processing to 4:2:0 when `chroma_format_idc` is 0.
I am curious about it.

video format h.264 resolution codec