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?
• 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 Hardware Compatibility: What Devices Support this Code Standard?
• Pros and Cons of H.266 Codec
• Lossless vs. Lossy Compression
• Other Common Video Codecs
• H.266 Video: Future Prospects
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is Video Encoding?

Before we dive into H.266 or Versatile Video Coding, let’s set the stage by reviewing encoding.

Encoding is the process of converting a video from one file format to another. Typically, this is used to convert the RAW video files that your camera captures into digital files that can be streamed over the internet.

The encoding process requires the use of an encoder, which comes in the form of both hardware and software. Hardware encoders are dedicated devices that serve the sole purpose of encoding. They are fast and reliable, but they are also bulky and expensive.

Software encoders are programs that you run on your computer. The current software encoding options are nearly as powerful as hardware encoders, but they start at just a fraction of the price. In some cases, they are free.

One major benefit of software encoders over hardware encoders is that software can be routinely updated as new versions come out without requiring additional purchases. Hardware encoders, on the other hand, cannot be updated unless users buy a newer model.

Encoding is not to be confused with transcoding, which refers to creating duplicate copies, or renditions, of a video in different sizes. The purpose of video transcoding is to provide some flexibility for viewers with different internet speeds so that everybody can access HD streaming without lagging or buffering.

What is video encoding? It is the process of taking your RAW video files and converting them into digital files that can be easily shared over the internet.

RAW video files captured by a camera, while offering the highest quality due to their uncompressed nature and abundant metadata, are also extremely large and impractical for storage and sharing online. To address this, video encoding techniques are used to reduce file size without compromising visual quality.

Video encoding is governed by various standards and formats that dictate how video data is compressed and stored. These standards ensure compatibility across different devices and platforms, allowing for seamless playback and transmission. 

Common video encoding formats include MP4, AVI, and WebM, each with its own set of advantages depending on the use case. Over the years, video coding standards have advanced significantly and currently includes advanced options like H.264 Vs H.265 Vs H.266, each offering different levels of compression efficiency and quality.

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.

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 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 next 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 technology 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.

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.

Lossless vs. Lossy Compression

While we’re on the topic of video codecs, it is important to note the difference between lossless and lossy compression. Lossless and lossy compression both reduce file size. The difference is that lossy compression yields a more compact compressed video than lossless compression.

Lossy compression may remove some details which could impact video and image quality. On the other hand, lossless compression retains all the original data, so the videos and images are of the same quality.

Lossy compression is common for video streaming, and lossless compression is used more so in text and photo transportation.

VCC, for example, uses lossy compression.

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 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, telecommunication 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:

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.

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!