Netflix adopts AV1 video codec to save data 585o1l

Published on 06/02/2020

The popular subscription-based video-on-demand platform continues to enhance its mobile application. According to a recent post on the streaming giant’s official blog, the Android application now s a new codec that dramatically reduces cellular data consumption.

A new standard for the industry 1251

In 2017, the Alliance for Open Media (AOM) released a royalty-free AOMediad Video (AV1) codec that could eventually replace the H.264 codec, particularly for online video distribution. This codec offers a better compression rate (around 30%) compared to Google’s old VP9 standard, without damaging the image.
AOM logo

As reported on the XDA Developers site, the online video industry has been gradually catching up. Thus, in 2018, with the release of Chrome 70, Google finally integrated an AV1 decoder into its flagship browser. The Mountain View firm then implemented this decoder in Android 10 in the OS beta 1. Some time later, it was Vimeo’s turn to announce AV1 . It is therefore logical that Netflix has adopted this new standard on its Android application.

What does the adoption of the AV1 codec mean for Netflix s? 1p1e38

On its blog, Netflix announces that certain content offered on its platform is now available in AV1 for s who want to reduce mobile data consumption by enabling the “Data Saver” option.

The use of this codec offers 20% better compression than Netflix’s VP9 codec. In short, you will consume less data to play your favorite movies and TV shows. The AV1 codec is currently limited to Netflix on Android, but the company plans to extend it to more people in the near future.

The only downside is that the codec is ed at the hardware level. Not all devices are compatible and video decoding is done by software, which consumes more resources. In other words, your battery life may decrease if you enable this option. However, the streaming giant has also revealed that it is working with chip manufacturers to extend AV1 to more hardware.

Source : Netflix via XDA Developers