Video compression technologies have been essential in making digital media more efficient and accessible, allowing us to store, stream, and share high-quality content without overwhelming file sizes. Over the years, codecs like H.264, HEVC (H.265), VP9, and AV1 have progressively improved compression efficiency while maintaining video quality, although real-world gains vary depending on use cases and content.
It all began with MPEG-1 in 1991, enabling basic digital video storage, followed by MPEG-2 in 1996-1998, which became the standard for DVDs and digital TV but was less suited for internet video. The introduction of H.264 in 2003 was a game changer, drastically reducing file sizes and enabling smoother streaming on platforms like YouTube, making online video accessible even on slower connections.
As video quality improved and 4K content became widespread, HEVC (H.265) in 2013 emerged to handle higher resolutions more efficiently. HEVC improved compression significantly over H.264, making it the preferred codec for 4K streaming and UHD Blu-rays. However, the open-source VP9 in 2013, developed by Google, provided a competitive alternative, achieving substantial compression gains without licensing fees. This made it the codec of choice for YouTube, especially for 4K videos.
Current Generation of Video Codecs
AV1, developed by the Alliance for Open Media in 2018, pushed video compression further, offering 25% to 30% better compression than HEVC in many cases. Its royalty-free nature and efficiency led to its adoption by major platforms like Netflix and YouTube for high-quality video streaming. However, the real-world benefits vary, especially depending on content complexity and encoding settings.
The most recent codec, VVC (H.266) in 2020, promises notable compression improvements over HEVC, especially for future formats like 8K and VR. However, VVC’s encoding complexity makes it slower, particularly in fast encoding scenarios such as live streaming. When compared to AV1, VVC’s advantage in real-world use is often less dramatic due to its slower performance, and AV1 remains a strong option for real-time applications thanks to its faster encoding times and flexibility.
Historically, the average time between the launch of new major video codecs has been approximately 10 years, with development driven primarily by two major groups: the Alliance for Open Media (AOM) and the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).
AOM, responsible for the development of VP9 and AV1, focuses on royalty-free, open-source codecs, whereas MPEG has introduced standards such as H.264, HEVC (H.265), and VVC (H.266), often focusing on licensing-based solutions. This pattern of innovation is expected to continue as video formats evolve, with both groups pushing the boundaries of compression efficiency and performance, addressing the demands of new standards and technologies such as 8K, VR, and AI-driven media.
Advancing Video and 3D Compression with Wrave
At Wrave, we’ve taken video compression a step further with our proprietary algorithm, achieving 60% better compression on average in different use cases. Beyond video, we have generalized this technology to 3D compression, enabling us to handle both 2D and 3D media with exceptional efficiency. This breakthrough allows us to deliver high-quality content while significantly reducing storage and bandwidth requirements, making our compression solutions ideal for industries where performance, scalability, and innovation in 3D asset management are crucial.
