Streaming Learning Center Where Streaming Professionals Learn to Excel
Related Articles
For years, we’ve heard about the allure of HEVC, AV1, and even VVC, all new video codecs promising better quality and reduced bandwidth. But how do content providers, platforms, and CDNs navigate the complexities of adopting these new technologies? A recent panel discussion at Streaming Media Connect 2025 shed light on this crucial topic, featuring insights from industry leaders.
All time codes are links to the YouTube video, which I’ve also embedded below.
The panel, moderated by me (Jan Ozer, Owner, Streaming Learning Center), brought together experts from various sectors of the streaming world:
- Behnam Kakavand, Video R&D Lead Engineer, Evolution [04:44]
- Arnaud Leyder, CEO & Founder, Radiant Media Player EURL [05:48]
- Boban Kasalovic, Senior Product Manager, Streaming, United Cloud [07:11]
- Hassene Tmar, Technical Program Manager, Video Infrastructure, Meta [08:31]
The Video Codec Adoption Process: A Balancing Act
The panelists emphasized that codec adoption is a multifaceted decision. Key factors include playback support, encoder availability, bandwidth savings, quality improvements, and cost. [09:25] The discussion explored the challenges of balancing these factors, especially when dealing with diverse device ecosystems and varying network conditions.
A Deep Dive into Codecs: AVC, HEVC, AV1, and VVC
The conversation naturally turned to specific codecs. The panel shared their experiences with AVC, HEVC, AV1, and VVC. [14:17]
AV1: A Promising Contender
Hassene Tmar from Meta provided valuable insights into their AV1 deployment. They highlighted AV1’s success in enhancing video quality and reducing bandwidth consumption. [16:59] However, they also discussed the hurdles of deploying AV1 on Android devices and the importance of robust benchmarking tools.
Live and Low-Latency: The Codec Challenge
Live and low-latency streaming present unique challenges for codec adoption. The panel explored the complexities of encoder performance and latency in these scenarios. [34:32] The discussion highlighted the need for efficient encoding solutions that can deliver high-quality video with minimal delay.
Hardware vs. Software Encoding: A Trade-Off
The panelists weighed the pros and cons of hardware and software encoding. [32:35] They considered factors such as cost, density, and power consumption, emphasizing that the optimal choice depends on the specific use case.
Geographic Variations and VVC’s Future
The panel also touched on the geographic distribution of codec usage, noting the influence of device compatibility and bandwidth availability. [56:54] As for VVC, the consensus was that it’s still too early for widespread adoption. [47:10]
Key Takeaways
This panel discussion provided a valuable glimpse into the challenges and considerations surrounding codec adoption. The key takeaway is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Streaming providers must carefully evaluate their specific needs and circumstances to make informed decisions.
