While several video codecs are already well established, a couple are still relatively new and have not yet seen widespread deployment. But that may well change as they gain maturity and enter the mainstream. In this two-part series, we take a look at these newcomers – VVC and AV1 – and examine their potential. First, we’ll take a look at the VVC codec.
The latest innovation in the world of video codecs — the VVC codec — is finally available for commercial use. Until recently relegated to tests and innovation projects, it is now incorporated in Ateme’s TITAN File transcoders. So you can use it to power your file transcoding. But in what ways does this help you – whether you are a streaming service provider, an operator, or a broadcaster? Read on to find out.
What is VVC?
Defined in 2020 by Joint Video Experts Team (JVET), the VVC codec is the latest video compression standard. It was developed to improve compression performance and support a broad range of applications. And with a 50% better compression rate compared to its predecessor, HEVC, it is the most efficient video codec available.
But there are many obstacles to navigate between codec development and its use. The biggest one is the availability of hardware that can decode content for playback.
The latest trends reveal an exciting shift, as VVC decode-ready hardware, including smart TVs and chipsets for set-top boxes and mobile devices, make their debut on the market. For instance, at IBC2023, Qualcomm and Tencent demonstrated real-time UHD 60p decoding over a Qualcomm phone using the latest codec.
So, now that the market is getting ready to use this new codec, what does VVC change for you? We have identified four major benefits.
1. The VVC Codec Helps You Stream More Efficiently
By adopting the VVC codec, you can transmit high-quality video using fewer resources. This can result in tangible cost savings, especially when dealing with large-scale video distribution, where bandwidth expenses can be significant.
That’s because VVC is designed to achieve much higher compression efficiency compared to previous codecs. This means that you’ll be able to transmit or store video content at lower bitrates while maintaining the same perceived visual quality. Alternatively, you can transmit higher-quality content at the same bitrate, leading to improved user experiences, reduced bandwidth requirements, and cost savings.
2. The VVC Codec Increases Your Reach
VVC supports a wide range of bitrates and resolutions, which allows you to adapt your video streams to different network conditions and user devices. This flexibility is crucial for delivering content to a variety of devices with varying capabilities and network connections.
While VVC adds one more code to the landscape, it is an international standard that enjoys broad industry support. It is also likely to be adopted by various hardware and software manufacturers. This promotes interoperability. We also expect fragmentation in the video codec landscape will be kept to a minimum.
3. The VVC Codec Enables Enhanced Experiences
As the media and entertainment industry increasingly competes with other forms of entertainment — including gaming and social media — it needs to reinvent itself and offer new and exciting experiences. And that’s where VVC shines. Including features specifically designed to support immersive video formats, such as 360-degree videos and virtual reality content, it enables you to deliver high-quality immersive experiences and explore new ways of engaging your audiences.
The VVC codec is also designed to handle high-resolution content, including 8K and potentially even higher resolutions.
But beyond better video quality, specific VVC-based tools are dedicated to further enhancing the viewing experience. For example, viewers can enjoy fast zapping — thanks to a special tool that enables switching between chunks before you reach the end of a chunk.
4. VVC Embraces the Future
The world of video tech is rife with innovations — from new codecs and standards to new devices and more. You need to make sure your content and video-distribution platform are ready to face today’s challenges, as well as those that will come with the next generation of video tech innovations.
Incorporating the latest compression techniques and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms, VVC is the codec of choice for future-proofing your content libraries and distribution systems.
VVC in TITAN File: A New Era of Entertainment
Incorporating the VVC codec into Ateme’s TITAN File transcoder marks a significant milestone in the world of digital media.
TITAN File, designed specifically for file-based video transcoding and manipulation, allows you to convert video content from one format to another, while reducing file sizes and maintaining exceptional video quality. TITAN File incorporates the new VVC codec, making it available at your fingertips. It provides a powerful approach to delivering not only high-quality video content efficiently, but also immersive video experiences that propel you and your audiences into a new era of entertainment.
What aspects of the VVC codec do you find most exciting? Tell us in the comments below. And if you’d like to hear more, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
Meanwhile, stay tuned for part 2 of this series, where we’ll discuss the latest exciting developments in the AV1 video codec.