- AV2 specification is published by the end of 2025
- More effective video streaming with multi-stream capacity
- Specen is a plan and needs hardware companies support
The launch of a new video code is usually not a big deal. But AV2 could be very important. Alliance for Open Media has announced that it is planning to release the new Codec later in the year, and 53% of its members say they will adopt it within 12 months of the final release.
Given that AOM members include Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Netflix and Samsung – and it’s just from the management committee – it means this can be a big step forward. AV2 promises some very big improvements in what streaming can deliver, even if we don’t get the details until the specs are completed.
AV2 is focused on providing more video using less data, reducing the load on the network without also reducing the credibility of what you are watching. When we move to higher resolution streaming, it becomes increasingly important. And AV2 makes more than just more video in the same power.
AV2: The Streaming Boogaloo
AV2 is the successor to AV1, created as a royalty -free alternative to HEVC video codec. It has been used by both Netflix and YouTube (and the adult industry, which is always a remarkable element of any format war …) and delivers the same quality at lower bitrates than rival codecs.
As per the Alliance, AV2 “Provides improved support for AR/VR applications, delivery of split-screen of multiple programs, improved screen content handling and an ability to operate over a wider visual quality area. “
This option for shared screen is particularly interesting because it opens up interesting opportunities for sports and other streaming of live events. And because we are optimistic types, let’s interpret “wider visual quality area” to mean the chance of higher quality streaming rather than low and medium quality.
If the members of the alliance do what they say, 88% of them will adopt AV2 within two years of release. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they use it for everything – there are other advanced codecs, such as H.266 / VVC, which is also improved on HEVC – and it should be supported by streaming recipients, TVs, computers and smartphones.
But it certainly seems that AV2 could hit the Earth running among some of the best streaming services and on some of the best TVs – and I’m sure the newly announced Dolby Vision 2 HDR will be factor in its support or rollout.
