The AV1 streaming codec is something that Google and others are behind bringing to the mass market, and slowly it’s expanding. This week, following successful tests on Android smartphones and tablets, Netflix has announced that it will bring AV1 to TVs.
In a blog post this week, Netflix confirms it will start using the AV1 codec on some TVs. AV1, which has been available since 2018, allows for the more efficient encoding and decoding of data for streaming, leading to higher quality for the end user and better use of bandwidth for providers. However, the codec relies on hardware support.
To ensure that TVs using AV1 streams will provide a good experience, Netflix says it analyzes the steam to ensure the device is spec-compliant for AV1 decoding.
For the time being, Netflix isn’t specifically announcing which devices will support AV1 outside of the Netflix app on Sony’s PS4 Pro console. On other TVs, support is only specified as working on “a number of AV1 capable TVs.” In theory, this should include a considerable number of Android TV models.
Our initial launch includes a number of AV1 capable TVs as well as TVs connected with PS4 Pro. We are working with external partners to enable more and more devices for AV1 streaming. Another exciting direction we are exploring is AV1 with HDR.
More on AV1:
- Chrome 90 rolling out: AV1 encoder optimized for video calls, easily hide Reading List
- YouTube and Netflix may require AV1 hardware decoding in the future
- Google may require AV1 codec support on all new Android TV devices starting March 31
Author: Ben Schoon
Source: 9TO5Google
