This content originally appeared on Level Up Coding - Medium and was authored by Mehran
A Comprehensive Guide to Video Codecs: H.264, H.265, VP9, and AV1
Video has become integral to our everyday lives( YouTube, IG, Facebook, Netflix, JOYN, Hulu, etc.). With recent advancements in internet bandwidth, users now expect high-quality videos with minimal loading time. However, internet and network speed improvements only guarantee the better quality if the appropriate codec effectively compresses the video.
What is a codec, in simple words?
A codec is an algorithm developed and employed by various organizations. Its primary function is to compress video files to maintain quality while reducing their file size.
Comprehensive analysis of the famous codecs
1. H.264 (AVC — Advanced Video Coding): H.264, also known as AVC, is a widely-used video codec that was introduced in 2003 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) and ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It was designed as a versatile and efficient codec for high-quality video compression across various devices and network conditions. H.264 has become the de facto standard for video streaming, used by platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and even Blu-ray Discs.
Key features of H.264:
- High compression efficiency: H.264 achieves impressive video quality at relatively low bit rates.
- Scalability: H.264 supports various resolutions, from low-resolution mobile devices to high-definition television (HDTV).
- Network-friendly: H.264 is designed to work well with modern communication networks and protocols, making it ideal for streaming.
2. H.265 (HEVC — High-Efficiency Video Coding): A more efficient codec emerged as video resolutions and quality standards grew. H.265, or HEVC, was introduced in 2013 as the successor to H.264. HEVC offers approximately double the compression efficiency of H.264, enabling higher-quality video at lower bit rates. This codec is suitable for 4K and 8K video streaming and has been adopted by platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Key features of H.265:
- Improved compression efficiency: H.265 provides up to 50% better compression than H.264.
- Support for higher resolutions: HEVC is designed for 4K, 8K, and beyond, making it ideal for future video formats.
- Enhanced parallel processing: H.265’s coding structure enables more efficient use of multi-core processors.
3. VP9: VP9 is an open-source video codec developed by Google as a successor to VP8. It was released in 2013 and is widely used for WebRTC applications and video streaming on platforms like YouTube. VP9 offers comparable compression efficiency to H.265 but without the associated royalty fees.
Key features of VP9:
- Royalty-free: VP9 can be used without licensing fees as an open-source codec.
- Adaptive streaming: VP9 supports adaptive streaming, making it ideal for varying network conditions.
- Broad platform support: VP9 is supported by popular web browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
4. AV1 (AOMedia Video 1): AV1 is a next-generation, royalty-free video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia). Released in 2018, AV1 aims to provide superior compression efficiency compared to H.265 and VP9, making it an attractive option for video streaming services. AV1 is gaining traction among major players like Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook.
Key features of AV1:
- Improved compression: AV1 provides up to 30% better reduction than H.265 and VP9.
- Royalty-free: Like VP9, AV1 is open-source and can be used without licensing fees.
- Future-proof: AV1 is designed with the
Why is H. 264 the best choice?
- Compatibility: H.264 is widely supported by a vast range of hardware and software, making it easier for users to play videos on different devices and platforms without compatibility issues.
- Compression Efficiency: H.264 offers excellent video quality at relatively low bit rates, reducing the bandwidth and storage required for streaming and storing video content. This efficiency helps businesses save costs and provide smooth playback experiences for their users.
- Popularity and Adoption: As H.264 has been widely adopted across various industries and applications, many tools and resources are available to help businesses integrate and manage this codec effectively.
- Standardization: H.264 is an international standard ratified by organizations, including the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) and the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). This standardization ensures consistency and reliability when using the codec.
- Scalability: H.264 is highly scalable and can accommodate different resolutions and bit rates. It is suitable for various use cases, from low-resolution mobile streaming to high-definition content on larger screens.
If you want to learn more about video engineering, it’s best to start reading this series of blog posts from the beginning.
Video Engineering 1:1 part 2 was originally published in Level Up Coding on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
This content originally appeared on Level Up Coding - Medium and was authored by Mehran
Mehran | Sciencx (2023-04-24T20:36:45+00:00) Video Engineering 1:1 part 2. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2023/04/24/video-engineering-11-part-2/
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