The disclosed subject matter relates to providing a view synthesis distortion model (VSDM) for multiview video coding (MVC). The disclosed VSDM can facilitate determining quantization values and rate values based on model parameters for encoding depth information. Further, the VSDM can facilitate compression of depth information based on the determined quantization values and rate values. Compression of depth information can provide for reduces bandwidth consumption for dissemination of encoded multiview content for applications such as 3D video, freepoint TV, etc. Further, a feedback element can be employed to update the VSDM based on a comparison of a reconstituted version of the content, from coded depth information, against reference version of the content, from reference depth information.