Codec

What is a video codec?

A codec is a hardware or software tool that is used to compress (and decompress) video files. Common video codecs include h.264, h.265, V8, VP9 and AV1. Video codecs are the fundamental building blocks that enable the compression, encoding, and decoding of digital video content. These specialized algorithms play a crucial role in the efficient storage, transmission, and playback of video files and streams across various devices and platforms.

Understanding Video Codecs

At their core, video codecs work by analyzing raw video data and applying various compression techniques to reduce file size without significantly compromising visual quality. This process involves identifying and removing redundant information, such as identical or similar pixel patterns, while preserving the essential visual elements. The primary objectives of video codecs are to:

1. Compress Video Data: Reduce the file size of video files to enable efficient storage and faster transmission over networks.
2. Maintain Visual Quality: Ensure that the compressed video retains a high level of image quality and fidelity.
3. Enable Interoperability: Allow video content to be played back on a wide range of devices and media players.

Common Video Codec Standards

Over the years, various video codec standards have emerged, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and use cases. Obviously, codec support in browsers and devices is important. There are many many video codecs, but here are the most common:

• h264 is the most widely supported video codec (98.2% browser support in June 2021) It is often help in an .mp4 container, and today most videos on the web utilize the h.264 codec.
• h.265: The successor of h264, which features better compression at the same quality settings. Unfortunately, the h265 codec is highly patent encumbered - resulting in reduced support across devices due to its high cost.
• h.266 (Versatile Video Codec) is the next generation of the line, but is not yet supported in any browsers.
• VP8/VP9/AV1 codecs are generational video codecs that are royalty free. Much like the h26x generations of videos, each subsequent codec features improved compression and quality. The AV1 format is 25-35% smaller than the VP9 format, and has had some limited success. The current limitation with the AV1 codec is that the compression step is significantly slower than other formats. It is expected that as compression time improves, AV1 usage will increase.
  ** VP8 and VP9 videos ship in a webm container that is supported on 78% of browsers (98% in a webRTC context). ** AV1 will also likely ship in the webm container, and is supported by 78% of all browsers for playback.

Each codec has its own trade-offs in terms of compression efficiency, visual quality, hardware requirements, and licensing considerations. The choice of codec often depends on the specific needs of the video application, the target audience, and the available hardware capabilities.

The Importance of Codec Selection

Selecting the right video codec is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, compatibility, and user experience. Factors such as bitrate, resolution, frame rate, and the intended use case (e.g., streaming, video conferencing, or video production) should all be considered when choosing the appropriate codec.

Incorrect codec selection can lead to issues like poor video quality, compatibility problems, increased buffering, and higher storage or bandwidth requirements. Staying informed about the latest codec advancements and their practical applications is essential for content creators, service providers, and technology professionals.

Video codecs typically utilize lossy compression meaning that data is lost as the video is compressed. When choosing a video codec, a few trade offs must be considered:

• Time required to compress the file
• Codec support in playback devices
• Compression efficiency (how small are the new video files)
• Compression quality (how lossy is the compression)

There are often settings in the compression tooling that allows for modification of the compression/quality metrics - generally speaking, increasing the compression lowers the file size (and the video quality).

At api.video, we recognize the importance of video codec compatibility and optimization. Our platform supports a wide range of popular video codecs, ensuring your content can be seamlessly uploaded, processed, and delivered to your audience. Whether you're working with H.264, VP9, AV1, or any other codec, api.video provides the tools and flexibility to handle your video needs effectively, from encoding to playback. Sign up now!