AV1 vs HEVC: Video Codec Guide 2024

AV1 and HEVC are leading video codecs in 2024, each with unique strengths:

• AV1: Better compression, higher quality, royalty-free

• HEVC: Faster encoding, wider device support, complex licensing

Quick comparison:

Choose AV1 for:

• Future-proofing content

• Bandwidth savings

• Avoiding licensing fees

Stick with HEVC for:

• Wide device compatibility

• Fast encoding (live streaming)

• Immediate broad support

Many companies use both. Your specific needs will determine the best choice for your video streaming in 2024.

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How They Work

Let's break down AV1 and HEVC to see what makes these video codecs tick in 2024.

Basic Structure

AV1 and HEVC share similar building blocks, but AV1 takes it up a notch:

AV1's bigger coding units? They're great for squeezing down high-res content. That's why it's a champ in the 4K and 8K world.

How They Compress Video

Both codecs use smart tricks to shrink video files:

• They turn pixel data into frequencies

• They cut down on repeated info in the bitstream

• They guess what's in new frames based on old ones

But AV1? It's got extra tricks up its sleeve:

• It splits video into tiles for faster processing

• It tweaks compression based on what's in the video

These extras are why AV1 is so darn efficient. Here's what Thierry Fautier from Harmonic says:

Setup Methods

Setting up these codecs isn't easy:

AV1 takes longer to encode, but it's worth it for the efficiency. Netflix, who jumped on AV1 early, said in 2023 they've cut encoding time by 55%. That's huge for using it on a big scale.

Tech Specs Side by Side

Here's the nitty-gritty:

AV1 being royalty-free? That's music to the ears of big tech companies. Google and Amazon have been pushing for it since 2018.

In the real world, AV1 shows its stuff. A 2023 study found that for 4K Ultra HD, AV1 beat HEVC by a whopping 43.90% in squeezing down file sizes.

Choosing between AV1 and HEVC in 2024? It's about balancing tomorrow's tech with today's compatibility. HEVC works on more devices now, but AV1's efficiency is hard to ignore, especially for big streaming companies looking at the future of video.

Speed and Quality Tests

Let's compare AV1 and HEVC in real-world tests.

File Size Reduction

AV1 beats HEVC in shrinking video files:

For 4K Ultra HD, AV1 outperforms HEVC by 43.90% in file size reduction.

Processing Time

HEVC is faster:

AV1 takes 3x longer to encode. But there's good news: AOM-AV1 3.5 has cut encoding time by 34%.

Video Quality Results

AV1 wins in visual quality:

• It delivers better image quality at the same Constant Rate Factor (CRF).

• AV1 at CRF=27 matches HEVC at CRF=21, meaning better quality at higher compression.

Performance Numbers

Here's a quick breakdown:

AV1's slow encoding is a downside, but its efficiency is hard to ignore. Netflix and YouTube think it's worth it for high-quality content at lower bitrates.

In the real world, these differences matter. Facebook has seen a 50% bitrate reduction using AV1 compared to HEVC for video content.

As AV1 hardware support grows and encoding speeds up, we'll likely see more adoption. For now, choosing between AV1 and HEVC depends on balancing quality, file size, and processing time for your specific needs.

Where They're Used

AV1 and HEVC are duking it out in the video codec world in 2024. Let's see how they stack up in real life.

Streaming Services

Big streaming platforms are picking sides:

Netflix is going all-in on AV1. They started streaming AV1 on Android in 2020 and expanded to smart TVs and game consoles by 2023. Netflix's Mark Watson says:

YouTube's not far behind, using AV1 for 8K videos on fancy TVs since 2020.

Device Support

AV1's the new guy, while HEVC's been around the block:

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max gave AV1 a boost, doubling its adoption to 9.76% in Q2 2024. But HEVC's still king, with almost every new phone on board.

AV1 Support Chart

Here's who's playing nice with AV1:

HEVC's still more popular, but the tide's turning. Big tech names like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are backing AV1, pushing for more adoption.

Netflix's seeing some sweet results with AV1:

• 2% less waiting for videos to start

• Up to 38% fewer annoying quality drops

These perks are making AV1 look pretty good, especially for high-quality video that doesn't hog bandwidth.

Price and License Fees

Let's talk money. The cost of video codecs can make a huge difference in how widely they're used. Here's the scoop on AV1 and HEVC:

License Fees

AV1 and HEVC are worlds apart when it comes to licensing:

AV1 is the big tech favorite. It's royalty-free, but there's a catch. You have to agree to license your own patents back to the Alliance of Open Media (AOM) for free. This applies to AV1 and future AOM codecs.

HEVC? It's a different story. It's got a traditional licensing setup, but it's messy. There are multiple patent pools like MPEG LA, HEVC Advance, and Velos Media. This has given many companies a headache when trying to use HEVC.

Setup Costs

Getting started with each codec comes with its own price tag:

For AV1, you're mainly paying with time. Netflix, for example, put a lot of work into making AV1 encoding faster. By 2023, they cut encoding time by 55%.

HEVC setup? You're dealing with licensing talks AND development. The exact cost? It depends on what you're doing and how big you are.

Cost Breakdown

Let's look at the numbers for HEVC, according to HEVC Advance:

• Devices: $0.20 each after the first 100,000 units per year

• Enterprise Cap: Now $40 million a year, down from $45 million

• Content Distribution: No charge for streaming, cable, broadcast, or satellite

HEVC Advance has made some big changes to get more people on board. They've dropped fees for non-physical content distribution, which is great news for streaming services.

This quote shows how codec licensing is changing. HEVC is widely used, but people are worried about future fees.

AV1, backed by big names like Google, Amazon, and Netflix, looks pretty good. Being royalty-free could mean cheaper streaming video and less environmental impact.

But remember, "royalty-free" doesn't mean risk-free. Companies outside of AOM might have patents that cover parts of AV1, which could cause problems down the road.

In 2024, choosing between AV1 and HEVC isn't just about tech. It's about navigating a maze of licenses, patents, and potential future costs. As more companies lean towards royalty-free options, we'll likely see them weighing the long-term benefits of AV1 against the established, but pricey, HEVC ecosystem.

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Switching Between Codecs

Switching video codecs isn't just a tech upgrade - it's a game-changer for your entire video workflow. Let's break down how to switch between codecs like AV1 and HEVC without losing your mind (or your viewers).

Common Problems

Switching codecs can be a pain. Here's what you might run into:

Netflix tackled these issues head-on with AV1. By 2023, they slashed encoding time by 55%. Not too shabby for a company streaming to millions.

How to Make the Switch

Ready to switch? Here's how to do it without breaking everything:

1. Know Your Why

Figure out what you're after. Better compression? More devices? Get clear on your goals.

2. Pick Your Tools

Choose a transcoding solution that fits your size:

• Big operation? Try cloud services like AWS Elemental MediaConvert.

• Got your own hardware? Use on-premises encoders.

• Small-time? Software like FFmpeg might do the trick.

3. Get Your Videos in Order

Sort out which videos to switch first. Don't try to boil the ocean.

4. Set Up Your Assembly Line

Create a system that can handle your video volume without crashing.

5. Test, Tweak, Repeat

Start small, check the results, and fine-tune as you go.

YouTube didn't rush it. They rolled out AV1 bit by bit, focusing on the viral hits first. By late 2021, they aimed for 10-20% of videos in AV1. Smart move.

Your Pre-Switch Checklist

Before you hit the big red button:

• [ ] Make sure your target devices can handle the new codec

• [ ] Figure out which videos will benefit most

• [ ] Check if your systems can take the encoding heat

• [ ] Set up a way to compare old and new versions

• [ ] Plan a gradual rollout, starting with the B-team content

• [ ] Keep the old codec around for devices stuck in the past

• [ ] Set up tools to watch how it's all going

Netflix nailed this approach. They started with AV1 on Android in early 2020, then spread out slowly. By late 2023, they'd switched over 30% of their massive library. That's how you do it.

This quote's a wake-up call. Staying ahead in the codec game isn't just smart - it might be necessary to keep your content flowing.

Streaming Performance

AV1 and HEVC each have their own strengths when it comes to streaming video. Let's look at how these codecs handle modern video delivery.

Bitrate Testing

AV1 and HEVC are both efficient with bitrates, but AV1 comes out on top:

AV1 really shines with higher resolutions. For 8K content, it saves 63% on bitrate compared to H.264, while HEVC manages 53%.

Netflix, an early AV1 adopter, saw real benefits in 2023:

• 2% less waiting time for videos to start

• Up to 38% fewer quality drops during playback

Quality Change Speed

HEVC currently adapts video quality on the fly better:

HEVC's faster encoding makes it better for live streaming and quick quality changes. Hardware-accelerated HEVC encoding can be 5 times faster than software processing.

AV1 is improving, though. The latest AOM-AV1 (3.5) cut encoding time by 34% for 1080p videos on a 16-thread CPU.

Streaming Test Results

Real-world tests show AV1's potential, especially for video-on-demand:

For live streaming, AV1 cut bitrate by 48% while keeping quality, and was 1.6 times faster than x264 (a popular H.264 encoder).

In video calls on an iPhone 12, AV1 was 40-90% faster than older codecs, matched video quality, and saved 60% or more on bitrate.

But AV1 still has issues with real-time use:

• Current software encoders run at about 0.032 frames per second

• To encode in real-time at 24 fps, machines would need 746 times more computing power

This means H.264 or HEVC are still better for low-latency live streaming.

As hardware support grows and encoding speeds get better, AV1 will likely improve in streaming performance across all uses.

How to Choose

Picking between AV1 and HEVC in 2024 isn't just about tech specs. It's about finding the right fit for your needs. Let's break it down.

What to Consider

When choosing between AV1 and HEVC, keep these factors in mind:

AV1 wins in quality and compression. Netflix saw a 2% drop in video start times and up to 38% fewer quality drops with AV1 in 2023. But HEVC's faster encoding makes it better for live streaming now.

Choice Guide

Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

Pick AV1 if you want to future-proof your content, save bandwidth, and avoid licensing fees. But be ready for slower encoding times.

Facebook's switch to AV1 in 2023 cut bitrates by 50% compared to HEVC for video content. That's a big deal for a platform with billions of users.

Stick with HEVC if you need wide device compatibility now, fast encoding (like for live streaming), and don't mind licensing costs.

Apple's use of HEVC for iOS devices shows it's still going strong. Many major streaming platforms rely on it.

Consider your audience:

• For mobile users, HEVC might be better. It's on over 95% of smartphones, while AV1 was only on 9.76% in Q2 2024.

• For 4K and 8K content, AV1 is tough to beat. YouTube uses it for 8K videos on high-end TVs.

It's not always an either-or choice. Netflix uses both. They started with AV1 on Android in 2020 and grew from there, while keeping HEVC for broader compatibility.

The bottom line? If you're into cutting-edge tech and can handle some growing pains, go for AV1. If you need something reliable and widely supported right now, HEVC is still solid. Your specific needs will point the way.

Summary

Let's break down AV1 and HEVC to help you pick the right codec for your 2024 needs:

AV1 is a compression powerhouse. It's perfect for companies looking ahead and wanting to save on bandwidth. Netflix's 2023 AV1 results speak for themselves:

That's a big win for viewer experience and potentially lower streaming costs.

HEVC? It's still in the game with faster encoding and broad hardware support. It's your go-to for live streaming and quick encoding needs.

So, AV1 or HEVC? Here's what to think about:

1. Bandwidth and Storage

Want to slash bandwidth use? AV1's your guy. Facebook switched to AV1 in 2023 and cut their bitrate in HALF compared to HEVC. That's huge for a platform with billions of users.

2. Device Compatibility

HEVC's still king here. It's on 95% of smartphones, while AV1 was only on 9.76% in Q2 2024. Need to reach everyone right now? HEVC might be safer.

3. Content Type

Got 4K or 8K content? AV1 shines here. YouTube uses it for 8K videos on fancy TVs. If you're all about that premium, high-quality content, AV1 could give you an edge.

4. Encoding Resources

Short on encoding power or time? HEVC's your friend. It's about 3 times faster than AV1, which matters for live events or tight deadlines.

5. Cost

AV1's royalty-free status is a big deal for companies pushing tons of video. HEVC's licensing can be a real headache, especially for smaller outfits.

But hey, it's not always one or the other. Big players like Netflix use both. They started with AV1 on Android in 2020 and grew from there, while keeping HEVC for wider reach.

Looking ahead, AV1's probably going to grow, with Google, Amazon, and Netflix backing it. But HEVC's not going anywhere soon.

FAQs

Is AV1 better than HEVC?

Short answer: Yes.

AV1 beats HEVC in both compression efficiency and video quality. Here's the breakdown:

Big names like Netflix and YouTube are jumping on the AV1 bandwagon. Why? Netflix's 2023 switch to AV1 showed:

• 2% faster video start times

• Up to 38% fewer quality drops during playback

Is HEVC better quality than AV1?

Nope. AV1 takes the crown here too.

AV1 delivers the same eye candy as HEVC but uses about 30% less data. That's music to the ears of streaming services and data-conscious mobile users.

What's the bitrate showdown: H.265 vs AV1?

AV1 needs less bitrate than H.265 (HEVC) for the same quality:

But here's the catch: AV1 is slower to encode:

• H.265/HEVC encoding is 2x faster than AV1

• At 1 Mbps (UHD), H.266/VVC takes 27x longer than AV1

• At 15 Mbps (FHD), H.266/VVC takes a whopping 174x longer than AV1

So, while AV1 compresses better, it needs more processing muscle and time to get the job done.

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