AV1 is an ultra-high-performance video codec technology that delivers 20% more compression efficiency compared to the existing VP9+. Its introduction marks a landmark change in the video streaming industry. First released in 2018 by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), AV1 is royalty-free and designed to replace the current VP9 codec, aiming to become the IETF Internet Video Codec (NETVC) standard.
With its improved data compression over existing standards, using AV1 means less data needs to be streamed for the same video quality. Alternatively, it unlocks the potential to enhance audio or video details, allowing for higher bitrates, more channels, or higher resolutions, such as enabling 8K TV streams in native resolution.
Video streaming is the number one activity on smartphones, a key driver of 5G services, and a principal use of smart TVs at home. Therefore, bringing AV1 video decoding capability to these platforms is essential.
As a company with a long history in multimedia-related technologies (鈥榤edia鈥� is in our name), MediaTek is already embedding an in-house-designed hardware AV1 decoder into its devices, starting with the Dimensity 1000 series 5G smartphone chip and the S900 8K TV chip. These are flagship-class platforms, and the technology will filter down to other product tiers in due course. While many devices can benefit from AV1 today through software decoding via video playback apps or OS-level support, hardware decoding is always preferred because it consumes considerably less power鈥攃ritical for smartphone battery life鈥攁nd is inherently more reliable, as software-based alternatives must compete with other apps for CPU time.
MediaTek is working with some of the world鈥檚 most popular streaming services, such as YouTube, while Netflix is also committed to bringing AV1 to Android platforms, including TVs and smartphones, with potential applications in vehicles and other future technologies.
May 31, 2020
