H.266 Codec: What is Versatile Video Coding (VVC)?
Video files are large, and streaming them over the internet would be very difficult if it weren’t for codecs. Codecs are continuously developing to optimize this technical workflow, and Versatile Video Codec is on the horizon when it comes to new and improved codecs.
In this post, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about H.266 and Versatile Video Coding (VVC). We will discuss the meaning of video codec and what it is used for.
To get started, let’s quickly run through the basics of encoding and codecs. We will explore the future of VVC video coding and one of the most common video codecs, H.266.
Table of Contents
- What is Video Encoding?
- What is a Codec?
- Current Adoption and Hardware and Software Ecosystem (2025)
- What is H.266 or Versatile Video Coding (VVC)?
- Uses of VVC
- Benefits of Streaming with VVC
- Is H.266 or VVC the Standard Codec?
- VVC Compatibility: What Player Supports this Code Standard?
- Pros and Cons of H.266/VVC Codec
- Real-World Benchmarks and Case Studies
- H.266 Readiness Roadmap for Broadcasters
- H.266 vs AV1 vs H.265: Streaming Business Impact
- Other Common Video Codecs
- Future-Proofing with H.266: What’s Coming for 2026+
- H.266 Video: Future Prospects
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What is Video Encoding?


Before exploring H.266, or Versatile Video Coding, it’s helpful to understand video encoding. Encoding is the process of converting large, high-quality RAW video files from a camera into smaller digital formats suitable for online streaming. This is done using encoders, which come as either hardware devices—fast and reliable but costly—or software applications, which are more affordable and easily updated. Unlike transcoding, which creates multiple versions of a video for various internet speeds, encoding compresses and formats the original file for efficient storage and delivery. Modern encoding standards like H.264, H.265, and H.266 offer increasing levels of compression and quality for different streaming needs.
What is a Codec?


A codec is a technology that is used for encoding and decoding. The term “codec” is derived from the combination of “coder-decoder”, which aptly describes its primary function. Basically, this technology is used to condense chunks of data for easy transport and bring them back up to normal size once they’ve reached their destination. There are different types of codecs for processing different types of media, but in this post, we’re covering video streaming codecs that are used in live streaming.
Current Adoption and Hardware and Software Ecosystem (2025)
As of 2025, the H.266/VVC ecosystem is steadily expanding. Major chipmakers like Apple, Qualcomm, and Samsung have started integrating VVC/H.266 support in their flagship devices. The Apple M3 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 both feature native h266 decoder capabilities, making high-efficiency streaming and VVC video codec playback possible on newer iPhones, iPads, and premium Android smartphones. Smart TVs from LG and Samsung now list h.266 support among their codec options.
On the software side, tools like FFmpeg (with x266), Intel SVT-VVC, and VTM are increasingly production-ready for vvc encoding and decoding. OBS Studio and Adobe Media Encoder have yet to roll out native h.266 encoder integration, though plugins exist for experimental use.
Cloud encoding providers are evolving too. AWS Elemental and Azure Media Services have announced early-stage h 266 codec trials, while Dacast is actively exploring VVC/h.266 as part of its roadmap for next-gen streaming solutions.
What is H.266 or Versatile Video Coding (VVC)?
VVC Video Coding is one of the emerging video compression standards that is also known as VVC and H.266. The VVC video codec is a block-based hybrid codec, which makes it highly complex and highly capable.
This standard was created by the Joint Video Experts Team (JVET) at ITU. This team set out to create a next-generation codec that would support the future of video streaming.
JVET started working on H.266 video codecs in the fall of 2017 and completed the final standard in July 2020. Even though VVC has been finalized for nearly a year, it is still not commonly used. Versatile video coding is very technically complex, and most standard streaming hardware is not yet equipped to use this codec.
VVC was created to work with developing technology for everything from 4K streaming to 16K streaming. To put this into perspective, 4K streaming is the best quality that most existing technology can handle at this point in time. Some streaming technology is capable of 5K streaming, and some streaming cameras can capture video in 6K. 16K streaming is definitely a futuristic vision at this point.
It is also important to note that there are some uncertainties about VVC video codec licensing. At this point, it is unclear how a company should proceed to incorporate VVC into its program.
VVC is a new standard for compressing and sharing RAW video files in high-quality standards such as 4K.
Uses of VVC
In general, the VVC video codec is used for video encoding. However, it has several other specific use cases, including video conferencing and OTT streaming. VVC encoding reduces the data required for high-definition video, which is important for video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. The main purpose is to make these types of streaming at 4K resolution.
Video conferencing and OTT streaming are both more important than ever, especially given the major cultural shifts we’ve seen over the past year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world shut down to slow the spread of the virus, business operations, education, and other day-to-day activities moved online. Video conferencing made this possible. OTT streaming trends show that watching shows and movies on smart TVs via OTT broadcasting has also became more popular at this time.
OTT streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, have seen a shift in viewer expectations, with 4K streaming becoming the standard rather than the exception. The VVC encoder allows these platforms to offer 4K content with minimal buffering and optimal quality, even on slower internet connections. The h.266 decoder ensures that end-users can enjoy this content with a superior viewing experience compared to previous codecs.
VVC standard can also be used for 360 streaming, which is quite revolutionary. 360 streaming, which is also known as immersive video streaming, provides a more lifelike viewing experience. This type of streaming is becoming more popular in business since it makes it possible to connect with the audience on the new level.
These features provide a clearer comparison between H.266 vs H.265 and other codecs, emphasizing the unique capabilities of H.266 in supporting advanced video formats.
As more businesses adopt remote work models, the need for reliable, high-quality video conferencing solutions continues to grow, making VVC hardware decoder and software important tools in the modern digital workspace.
Benefits of Streaming with VVC
The main benefit of streaming with VVC/H.266 coding is the ability to stream in 4K. However, it is not exclusively for 4K streaming. As the name suggests, the VVC video codec is very versatile. It can support everything from ultra-low to ultra-high resolution videos.
Another major benefit of VVC coding is that it is significantly more capable of efficient data compression than other leading codecs. That is what helps it to process such large files.
There is also an idea swirling that VVC video coding could provide benefits beyond online video streaming. Specifically, comments have been made on its potential value to the online gaming industry. It could speed up video gaming, which would make collaborative play more effective.
Versatile video codec is great for streaming in 4K and for online video gaming.
Is H.266 or VVC the Standard Codec?
H.266/VVC format is the new codec but it is not yet the standard codec for video streaming. In fact, it is not even compatible with many of the major live streaming platforms and other technologies at this time.
Some industry leaders are predicting that this will be the standard video streaming codec eventually, since it provides support that other codecs do not, but we still may be a few years off from this.
For H.266 to become the standard, other video streaming technologies need to advance as well. This includes the development of more efficient VVC decoder and H.266 encoder software, which are essential for VVC encoding and decoding video in the VVC format.
Additionally, the implementation of VVC decoding capabilities in consumer devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, and media players, is crucial. The industry will need to produce H.266 encoder and decoder that are not only compatible with current hardware but also optimized for the next generation of video content, including VR, AR, and other immersive media.
What is VCC? VVC is the future of video streaming codecs.
AV1 vs. H.266: Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing between VVC vs AV1, it often comes down to your use case. AV1 is open and royalty-free, which appeals to browsers and content distributors focused on cost. But if you need higher compression with better quality, especially for live streaming or 8K, the H.266 VVC codec outperforms.
Compared to H. 265 vs H. 266, the newer format offers up to 50 percent better compression. That means lower bandwidth without sacrificing quality. While AV1 adoption is ahead in browsers, H.266/VVC is making its mark in professional streaming and global delivery, especially when long-term quality and scalability are top priorities.
VVC Compatibility: What Player Supports this Code Standard?
An h.266 player is a software or hardware solution capable of decoding and playing back video files compressed using the h.266 VVC standard. These players can range from dedicated media player applications to integrated video playback capabilities in operating systems and hardware devices.
Since H.266 VVC is a relatively new standard, only a few video streaming technologies support it. There are currently no devices that have hardware support for this codec, and only a few software solutions can decode using VVC in real-time.
For instance, some experimental versions of popular media players like VLC are being developed to support h.266, but these are not yet fully optimized for widespread use.
Most high-end devices such as Samsung Galaxy S8 and Google Pixel 5 have the processing power to play 1080p VVC H.266 videos on these players, but they struggle with higher resolutions like 4K or 8K due to the heavy processing power required. But according to recent findings presented at the NAB show, researchers needed to use AMD EPYC and Intel Xeon servers for 8K video playback.
This shows how important hardware decoding will be for ultra-high-definition VVC content. Without this, even the most powerful devices may struggle to handle the demands of VVC, particularly at higher resolutions.
The future of H.266 players looks promising. Given what VVC can offer for an immersive streaming experience, most device manufacturers will likely include VVC support in their hardware for future video coding. As VVC hardware decoder manufacturers continue to invest in developing H.266-compatible chips and processors, we can anticipate a wider range of devices that can seamlessly handle H.266 content. This will enable users to enjoy higher-quality video streaming experiences with smaller file sizes and reduced bandwidth requirements.
For instance, VVC has garnered interest in the TV industry in the last two years since the technology was completed in July 2020. It’s highly preferred for streaming UHD content and transmission for television.
In the future, the following devices are expected to support VVC content:
- Smart TVs (LG 8K models already support VVC)
- Smartphones and tablets
- Streaming devices
- Newer laptop and computer models
H.266 Encoder Software
There are several H.266 encoder software options available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most popular options include:
- FFmpeg: A widely used open-source multimedia framework that supports various video codecs, including H.266.
- x266: Another open-source H.266 encoder that focuses on high-quality encoding and performance.
- VVC Test Model (VTM): A joint reference software developed by the JCT-VC. It is used for testing and validating the H.266 standard.
Pros and Cons of H.266/VVC Codec
Here are some pros and cons of this new video compression standard:
Pros
- Compared to the popular High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, VVC or H.266 codec reduces bitrate requirements by 50%.
- It offers improved coding efficiency compared to other codecs available in the market.
- Versatile video codec is especially beneficial for live streaming ultra-high definition resolution video assets like 4K, 8K, and 16K.
- VVC encoding produces smaller video sizes that require minimal storage compared to HEVC or Advanced Video Coding (AVC) standards.
- H.266 codec also supports 360-degree streaming as well as High Dynamic Range (HDR) videos.
Cons
- The encoding and decoding process using the H.266 codec is relatively more complex compared to other standards.
- When comparing H.266 vs H.265, VVC decoding and encoding speed is slow.
- Given the disadvantages listed above, it may take a while before the H.266 codec becomes a mainstream algorithm that the general internet audience adopts.
H.266 in 2025: Hardware Support and Adoption Timeline
As of 2025, the rollout of the h.266 codec is gaining real momentum. Leading chipmakers like Qualcomm, Intel, and MediaTek now support VVC H.266 in their latest hardware. TVs, smartphones, and set-top boxes are starting to ship with built-in h266 decoders, making playback smoother and more efficient.
On the software side, major platforms and players are beginning to add compatibility, though full support is still evolving. Businesses considering the VVC/H.266 upgrade can expect broader availability in late 2025 to early 2026, especially for 4K and 8K video delivery. It is a pivotal year for h266 support across the board.
Licensing and Royalties
Unlike AV1, which is royalty-free and backed by the Alliance for Open Media, the H.266 codec (also called Versatile Video Coding or VVC) comes with licensing fees. These fees are managed through multiple patent pools, including MPEG LA, Access Advance, and VVC Advance. This fragmentation can make it harder for streaming businesses to adopt VVC, as the exact terms and total cost can be unclear.
For businesses focused on reducing operational costs, this is a key point in the h.266 vs av1 debate. While the H.266/VVC codec offers powerful compression improvements over h.265, AV1—and eventually AV2—may be more attractive thanks to simpler licensing and long-term affordability.
Real-World Benchmarks and Case Studies
Real-world benchmarks show that the H266 codec offers significant efficiency gains over previous standards. When comparing H.264 vs H.265 vs H.266, tests for 1080p, 4K, and 8K videos consistently reveal up to 50% bitrate reduction with h.266 while preserving the same visual quality. These bitrate vs. quality charts highlight how H.266/VVC delivers sharper images with less data—critical for broadcasters and streamers.
For example, a regional broadcaster streaming 4K sports events switched from H.265 to VVC H.266 and reduced bandwidth costs by nearly 45%. Using VVC encoding, they maintained top-tier video clarity while cutting delivery expenses. This makes the VVC/h.266 standard ideal for high-resolution content at scale.
Practical Scenarios
Using VVC H.266, a streaming service can deliver 8K video at the same bitrate previously needed for 4K H.265 streams. In one scenario, a global OTT platform tested the VVC video codec and found that adopting h 266 encoder technology reduced overall storage and distribution costs by 40%. With wider h266 support now available, services using h 266 video sample outputs can improve efficiency without sacrificing viewer experience.
As the versatile video coding codec matures, businesses evaluating live or VOD delivery with platforms like Dacast should consider the benefits of this next-gen format. From VVC decode performance to flexible h266 decoder support, the codec h 266 family is positioned to drive the future of efficient, high-quality streaming.
VVC for Low-Bandwidth Markets and Sustainability
The VVC H.266 codec shines in areas where bandwidth is limited and energy use matters. Its advanced compression allows high-quality video even in rural or developing regions, making digital access more inclusive. Compared to older standards like h.264 vs h.265 vs h.266, this versatile video coding codec is far more efficient. That helps reduce data usage and carbon emissions across large-scale video delivery.
For platforms like Dacast looking to scale globally while staying green, VVC/H.266 offers a practical path. With fewer bits needed per frame, it reduces server load and streaming costs, supporting both growth and sustainability.
H.266 Readiness Roadmap for Broadcasters
For broadcasters looking to adopt the H.266 codec, a few key elements need to be in place. First, hardware devices like cameras and encoders must support VVC/h.266. Software updates for editing tools and players also need to enable VVC decoding and playback. Content delivery networks (CDNs) should be ready to handle VVC video codec files efficiently. Finally, compatibility with popular platforms like Dacast ensures smooth VVC encoding workflows and wide distribution.
Hardware Decoder Support in 2025
As of 2025, hardware support for the H.266/VVC codec is growing, though it still lags behind older formats. The latest Snapdragon and Apple A-series chips now include native decoding for VVC H.266, making high-efficiency streaming possible on flagship smartphones. Some 2025 smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony also ship with VVC/H.266 support, particularly on models aimed at 8K or gaming users. However, most mid-tier and legacy devices still lack a dedicated H.266 decoder. For mass adoption, broader hardware integration remains key, especially for live streaming at scale across mobile, web, and smart TV platforms.
Licensing Landscape and Risks
The licensing structure for the H.266/VVC codec remains unsettled, making strategic planning critical. Unlike AV1, which is royalty-free, VVC is governed by multiple patent pools with unclear terms. This uncertainty poses risks for streaming providers, especially those operating globally. CTOs and engineers should monitor updates from the Media Coding Industry Forum (MC-IF) and patent holders to avoid legal or financial surprises. For businesses considering the VVC standard, it’s essential to balance technical benefits with long-term licensing costs. Early adopters should work with vendors that offer clear h 266 encoder licensing terms to mitigate compliance issues.
H.266 vs AV1 vs H.265: Streaming Business Impact
When comparing H.266, AV1, and H.265, businesses need to weigh compression performance against costs, licensing, and real-world compatibility. The H.266 codec promises up to 50 percent better compression than H.265, lowering bandwidth and storage needs for video delivery. AV1, while royalty-free, often requires more processing power and still lacks consistent hardware support. H.265 is widely adopted but comes with complex licensing fees. For live and on-demand streaming, H.266/VVC could reduce costs over time, especially at scale, but rollout depends on decoder availability and licensing clarity. Choosing the right codec hinges on platform goals, audience reach, and infrastructure.
Bandwidth Savings Calculator
To understand potential savings, here’s a simple formula:
Streaming 100 hours of 4K H.264 = 1.2 TB
With H.266 = ~600 GB
That’s about a 50% reduction in bandwidth use. For platforms like Dacast that host large-scale live or VOD content, adopting the VVC video codec can drastically cut delivery costs. If you stream globally or in ultra HD, switching from H.264 to VVC H.266 makes a measurable difference. To test savings on your setup, embed a calculator that lets users enter video hours and resolution to estimate usage with different codecs: H.264, H.265, AV1, and VVC.
Environmental Impact Benefit
The VVC H.266 codec helps reduce bandwidth use by up to 50 percent compared to older formats. In 2025, that efficiency matters more than ever. Lower bitrates mean less energy consumption during streaming, translating to a smaller CO2 footprint. For companies focused on sustainability, adopting h.266 is a practical step toward greener, more efficient video delivery.
Is Your Business Ready for H.266?
Thinking about moving to the H.266 codec? Ask yourself a few key questions:
- Do you regularly stream in 4K or higher?
- Are most of your viewers using devices released after 2023?
- Do you control or customize your own video player?
- Is reducing bandwidth a top priority for your team?
- Are you able to manage licensing and encoding workflows in-house?
If you answered “yes” to at least three of these, then the VVC codec might be a strong fit. Early adoption can give you a technical edge—especially for global, high-resolution streaming.
Other Common Video Codecs
There are dozens of other video codecs available, but only a handful are commonly used. Let’s take a look at a couple of other common video codecs.
H.264


What is H.264? H.264, which is also known as “Advanced Video Coding” and “AVC,” is a video codec. It is used for recording, compressing, and distributing video content over the internet. It is currently used by the vast majority of broadcasters since it is highly compatible with existing streaming technology. This technology has been around since 2003.
The H.264 codec is capable of streaming up to 8K, and it supports both lossy and lossless encoding.
At this time, H.264 is the primary codec that Dacast supports. Dacast also supports x264 which only does encoding and not decoding.
H.265
H.265, which is also known as “High-Efficiency Video Coding” and “HEVC,” is another codec. It is very similar to H.264, but it is 25-50% more efficient at compressing data.
H.265 is licensed with some of the largest technology companies around the world, which makes it pretty compatible with existing technology.
The key difference between VVC vs HEVC lies in the ability to compress high-resolution videos more effectively.
H.264 vs H.265 vs H.266
When discussing codecs like H.264 vs H.265 vs H.266, it’s clear that each new generation brings improvements in terms of compression efficiency and video quality.
H.264, for instance, has been the backbone of online video streaming for years, but its limitations are becoming more apparent as demand for higher resolutions and better video quality increases.
H.265 addressed some of these limitations, offering better compression and support for 4K video. Now, H.266 promises to take these advancements even further, making high-resolution video streaming more accessible and efficient.
The choice between H.264 vs H.265 vs H.266 depends on your specific needs and the purpose of your video project. If you’re working with high-resolution video formats like 4K or 8K, H.265 vs H.266 may be the better choice due to their improved compression efficiency.
Despite VVC/H.266’s advanced features and potential, most streaming platforms, such as YouTube, Netflix, and Twitch, still rely heavily on older codecs like H.265 (HEVC). The transition involved in VVC vs HEVC, may take time, as the industry needs to develop and deploy the necessary H.266 encoder and decoder technologies.
Until the necessary H.266 player and VVC coding tools are widely available and integrated, H.264 and H.265 will continue to be the go-to options for most streaming services.
H.266 vs AV1 vs H.265
Here’s a useful table comparing key video codecs in the context of licensing, compression, hardware support and what they’re best for in 2025:
Codec | Licensing | Compression | Hardware Support | Best For |
H.264 | Royalties | Low | Universal | Legacy support |
H.265 | Royalties | Medium | Widespread | 4K/HEVC workflows |
H.266 | Royalties | Very High | Limited (2025) | UHD streaming, 360 video |
AV1 | Free | High | Growing | Browser-based, YouTube |
AV2 | Free | Emerging | Minimal | Futureproof, VR/AR |
Future-Proofing with H.266: What’s Coming for 2026+
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the h 266 encoder and decoder ecosystem is expected to mature significantly. We’ll see wider operating system support, more browsers implementing playback, and stronger integration with cloud streaming tools like those offered by Dacast.
Emerging formats—like VR, AR, and interactive 360 video—will benefit from VVC encoding due to its flexibility and sharp resolution. The codec h 266 is also positioned to support AI-driven delivery and smarter edge computing. As businesses move beyond just HD to immersive media, the h266 video format will be a key part of future-ready streaming infrastructures.
H.266 Video: Future Prospects
H.266 video offers significant improvements to uncompressed video as well as coding efficiency, meaning that it can deliver the same video quality at a lower bit rate.
With H.266, it’s possible to stream 4K and 8K video to devices with less powerful processors and less available bandwidth. H.266 may be used to enhance the quality of existing video applications, such as webinars, online gaming, and streaming services.
For instance, the lower bit rates required for VVC video coding can enable smoother and higher-quality streaming experiences, even in regions with lower internet speeds. This could revolutionize how content is consumed in developing markets or in remote areas where high-speed internet is not readily available.
Moreover, the future prospects of VVC H.266 extend beyond traditional video applications. VVC’s improved compression efficiency will also make it more feasible for virtual reality and augmented reality technologies for 360-degree videos.
As an increasing number of devices and software start supporting VVC video coding, it’s likely to become the dominant video compression standard in the coming years.
H.266 Applications
It may be a while before this codec goes mainstream, as it’s a massive technological stride. However, here are some major use cases for the VVC video codec in different industries:
- Entertainment and Media: The ability to stream 4K and 8K content at lower bit rates without compromising on quality is a major advantage for streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. VVC decoder and encoder technologies will allow these platforms to offer better-quality streams to a broader audience, especially in regions with slower internet speeds. This could also lead to cost savings in data transmission, allowing for more competitive pricing models.
- Telecommunications: As video becomes an increasingly dominant form of communication, telecommunications companies can use VVC encoding to provide higher-quality video calls and live streams with less strain on their networks. This is particularly important as 5G networks expand and the demand for video content continues to grow.
- Healthcare: In telemedicine, where high-quality video can be crucial for remote diagnoses, H.266/VVC can ensure that doctors and patients can communicate clearly, even in areas with limited bandwidth. The reduced bit rate required by VVC H.266 makes it feasible to transmit high-definition medical imaging and videos without sacrificing detail.
- Education: The rise of e-learning has highlighted the need for reliable, high-quality video streaming. H.266 VVC can support educational platforms in delivering crisp, clear lectures and tutorials, even in bandwidth-constrained environments like rural or underserved areas.
- Gaming: The gaming industry stands to gain immensely from VVC H.266. H.266 vs H.265 comparisons show that H.266 can deliver higher-quality graphics at a fraction of the data cost, which is required for cloud gaming services. As more games move to the cloud, the efficient compression provided by H.266 will be essential for maintaining a seamless user experience.
Encoding Settings for Streaming with Dacast


How you configure your encoder settings plays a large role in determining the results of your broadcast. Certain configurations work better than others, and choosing the right video codec is just the start.
Here is a complete list of encoder settings that we recommend using for your live streaming setup if you want to ensure that your Dacast broadcast runs smoothly:
VIDEO CODEC | H.264 (x264 may work) |
FRAME RATE | 25 or 30 |
KEYFRAME INTERVAL | 2 secs (or 2x frame rate) |
SCANNING | Progressive |
RATE CONTROL | Constant (CBR) |
AUDIO CODEC | AAC-LC |
AUDIO BITRATE | 128 kbps |
AUDIO CHANNELS | 2 (Stereo) |
AUDIO SAMPLE RATE | 48 kHz (48,000 Hz) |
H.266 Readiness Roadmap for Broadcasters
For broadcasters looking to adopt the H.266 codec, a few key elements need to be in place. First, hardware devices like cameras and encoders must support VVC/H.266. Software updates for editing tools and players also need to enable VVC decoding and playback. Content delivery networks (CDNs) should be ready to handle VVC video codec files efficiently. Finally, compatibility with popular platforms like Dacast ensures smooth VVC encoding workflows and wide distribution.
Resolution & Bitrate Settings
In addition to the settings we mentioned above, your encoder settings can be manipulated to get your desired resolution and video bitrate.
Here are the combinations for achieving ultra-low definition, low definition, standard definition, high definition, and full high definition.
ULD | LD | SD | HD | FHD | |
Name | Ultra-Low Definition | Low Definition | Standard Definition | High Definition | Full High Definition |
Video Bitrate (kbps) | 350 | 350 – 800 | 800 – 1200 | 1200 – 1900 | 1900 – 4500 |
Resolution Width (px) | 426 | 640 | 854 | 1280 | 1920 |
Resolution Height (px) | 240 | 360 | 480 | 720 | 1080 |
H.264 Profile | Main | Main | High | High | High |
FAQs
1. What is H.266 video format?
H.266, also known as Versatile Video Coding, is a video compression standard developed by the Joint Video Experts Team. It is designed to compress video files while maintaining high video quality efficiently.
The H.266 video format allows you to enjoy high-quality videos while using less storage space or transmitting them more efficiently over the Internet.
2. What is the difference between H.265 and H.266?
H.266 is more efficient at compressing video files and offers better video quality at the same bit rate compared to H.265. It also uses more complex algorithms and techniques compared to H.265. However, H.266 requires more computational resources for encoding and decoding compared to H.265.
3. Is H.266 open-source?
Yes, H.266 is open-source. You can download the reference software for H.266 for free from the ITU-T website.
The Media Coding Industry Forum or MC-IF is a valuable resource for companies interested in deploying VCC or other media coding standards.
4. What are the features of H.266?
Some of the key features of H.266 are:
- H.266 can deliver the same video quality with a lower bitrate.
- H.266 can support resolutions up to 8K and frame rates up to 120fps.
- Supports HDR which provides a wider range of colors and contrast than standard video.
- H.266 is more resilient to errors and it’s less likely to suffer from visual distortions.
5. Can VLC play H.266 video?
VLC does not yet support playback of VVC video inside MP4 because the MP4 demultiplexer seems not to handle this video format yet.
Conclusion
H.266 or Versatile Video Coding is very powerful and quite useful, but it is still on the rise as compatibility and support for this codec are not widespread at this time. However, we definitely expect to see more of this in the future.
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Looking for more information on encoding, codecs, and other topics related to broadcasting? Check out the Knowledgebase section of our website. A quick search for “codec” or “encoding” will generate a plethora of reading material to get you started. Additionally, feel free to contact our team with specific questions; we’re here to help!