All of us are aware of how heavy video files are. These heavy files are impossible to transfer or stream over the internet. To make streaming of the video content over the internet possible, there is a program called codec is used. Codec, the term is formed by using two different terms; coder and decoder. It helps in the compression and decompression of streaming data and makes it more manageable.
Since development is inevitable, there are several technical developments that are taking place with every coming time. Codec which helps in creating more manageable and transferable video content is also evolving with time. There are a number of codecs in the market that helps in compressing the data and thereafter delivering the content to the end-user without any hassle. These include H.264, H.265, AV1, VP9, and H.266.
Regular development improves the technical workflow. Versatile video coding or VVC (H.266) is an improved and new codec that is popular in the tech world. With VVC, streaming media is moving to a new version of itself. H.266 is considered a more efficient codec than H.265. This new codec is designed to deliver around 30-50% bitrate reduction as compared to the older one (HEVC). Let us understand how this codec is a better option than the other.
Understanding Versatile Video Coding
Versatile Video Coding or VVC also known as H.266 is a block-based hybrid codec. It makes it highly complex and capable. This codec is created by the Joint Video Experts Team (JVET). It is made to bring a futuristic video streaming experience to the viewers. As the name suggests, it is designed to be more versatile and to address all the needs of the video. It includes low resolution and low bitrates to even a high resolution and high bitrates. H.266 or VVC is a next-gen video encoding-decoding standard and is the successor of HEVC.
Earlier cable and satellite broadcast was the dominant player in the entertainment market and there are quite a few codec competitors. But with the technological developments and the change in the behavioral pattern of viewers, streaming become mainstream in the year 2021. Currently, there is no broadcast technology that can compete with streaming media. VVC (H.266) and HEVC (H.265) are presently the most valuable codec in the streaming market. While on the other hand, AV1 is amongst the relevant competitors for the above-listed one.
Advantages Of Versatile Video Coding
Every new video codec arrives with several changes and improvements. One of the reasons for moving from one video codec to the other is due to the huge improvements in the compression algorithm of the codec. The higher the ratio of compression, the lesser size would be.
There are a number of benefits that the H.266 is providing which includes:
- Versatile Video Coding comes with a new algorithm. It provides around 30-50% more compression rate for the equivalent video quality than the predecessor codec i.e. HEVC.
- A file encoded in VVC will be much smaller than the same file encoded in the HEVC codec.
- H.266 could not be matched in terms of quality by any other codec with the same file size.
- VVC is a much better option for streaming UHD content in different resolutions including 4K, 8K, or 16K on TV as well.
- VVC gives better support to HDR (Hugh Dynamic Range) and 360 omnidirectional.
Without any second thought, VVC has huge potential. The initial VVC player distribution could be expected in the mid of this year. VVC codec is an amazing arrival in the world and will help in delivering great performance in terms of delivering content.
