HEVC (file format)
High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265, is a video compression standard designed to substantially improve coding efficiency compared to its predecessor, Advanced Video Coding (AVC), or H.264. With its ability to deliver high-quality video at lower bit rates, it offers numerous benefits for both content providers and consumers.
What is HEVC?
HEVC is a video compression standard that is the successor to H.264 or AVC. It was developed by the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC), a group of video coding experts from around the world. The main goal of HEVC is to enable video to be compressed into a file that’s about half the size (or half the bit rate) of AVC, or to improve video quality at the same bit rate.
The HEVC standard achieves this goal by using more advanced compression methods than AVC. These methods include larger prediction units, improved motion compensation and more sophisticated spatial prediction, among others. The result is a significant improvement in video quality, even at lower bit rates.
Benefits of HEVC
The main benefits of HEVC are improved video quality and reduced bandwidth requirements.
Improved video quality
One of the main benefits of HEVC is the improved video quality it offers. This is particularly noticeable when streaming video content at lower bit rates. HEVC is capable of delivering high-quality video with less visible artifacts, such as blocking or banding, compared to AVC.
Moreover, HEVC supports higher resolutions, including 4K and 8K, and higher frame rates, making it the preferred choice for high-definition video content. It also supports a wider color gamut, which results in more vibrant and realistic colors.
Reduced bandwidth requirements
Another significant benefit of HEVC is its ability to reduce bandwidth requirements. By compressing video files to about half the size of AVC, HEVC allows for faster and smoother streaming of video content, even on networks with limited bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial for mobile users, who often have to contend with data caps and slower network speeds.
The reduced file size also means that video content takes up less storage space, making it more cost-effective for both content providers and consumers.
Applications of HEVC
HEVC is primarily used in streaming services and video conferencing.
Streaming services
HEVC is widely used by streaming services to deliver high-quality video content to their users. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ all use HEVC to stream 4K content. By using HEVC, these services can deliver high-definition video with less buffering and lower data usage.
Moreover, the use of HEVC also allows these services to offer a wider range of content, including high dynamic range (HDR) and 360-degree videos, which require more data to stream effectively.
Video conferencing
HEVC is also increasingly being used in video conferencing applications. With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, the demand for high-quality video conferencing has grown exponentially. HEVC, with its ability to deliver high-quality video at lower bit rates, is ideally suited to meet this demand.
The use of HEVC in video conferencing can also help to reduce network congestion and improve the overall user experience, particularly in situations where multiple users are sharing the same network.
How to convert HEVC files to MP4 format
If you want to convert your HEVC file into a more common format, Restream’s HEVC to MP4 video converter is the go-to solution. It’s a free online tool that allows you to convert your HEVC files to MP4 videos with ease. Just upload your HEVC file, start the conversion process, and download your MP4 file right after it’s finished.