JPEG2000 File Format

The JPEG2000 file format is the next generation of compressed image file format from the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) committee, formed by the ISO and ITU-T standardisation bodies.

The JPEG2000 file format uses new compression algorithms using wavelet technology to deliver high quality image files at substantially reduced file sizes than for the JPEG standard.

JPEG2000 compression has been developed to allow a wide range of new image-enabled devices, such as digital cameras and mobile (cell) phones to large numbers of images on their small internal storage devices.

JPEG2000 files typically deliver a 20% reduction in file size over JPEG, without any associated loss in quality. JPEG2000s work by passing a lower-resolution version of the image at the start of data transit (similar to a low-res JPEG) and 'filling in' the detail, the higher resolution detail of the image, through continued data transfer. This means that if data transfer is interrupted, the user should still be able to see a lower-res verison of the finished image.

The JPEG2000 file extension can be any of three current extensions in use: '.j2k', '.jp2' or '.jpm'. Currently the implementations of systems relying entirely on JPEG2000 files appear rare - but as the requirements to store visually lossless high resolution images increases and storage prices continue to require smaller and smaller file sizes, implementations may increase in number.

Many image viewers currently still don't support JPEG2000 as standard, instead requiring expensive plug-ins to add JPEG2000 capabilities. ViewONE Pro offers JPEG2000 support as standard, including annotation onto JPEG2000 (if the annotations module is purchased).