HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, is a video compression standard designed to improve the efficiency of video encoding and streaming compared to its predecessor, H.264 (AVC – Advanced Video Coding). It was developed by the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) and the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).
HEVC offers several key advantages
HEVC provides up to 50% better data compression than H.264, meaning it can reduce file sizes significantly without sacrificing video quality. This makes it ideal for streaming high-quality video, such as 4K and 8K content, while minimizing bandwidth usage.
HEVC can deliver higher-quality video at the same bitrates as previous standards, making it more efficient for delivering HD and UHD content.
HEVC is optimized for modern video formats, including 4K and 8K video, high dynamic range (HDR), and wide color gamut (WCG).
HEVC uses a more advanced block structure, allowing it to process smaller details more effectively. The blocks (called Coding Tree Units, or CTUs) can vary in size and adapt to the complexity of the encoded scene.
HEVC is widely used in streaming services, video conferencing, broadcasting, and other applications where video compression is important.