AV1 vs. VP9: The Video Compression Battle

Video streaming has become an essential part of our daily lives, and the demand for high-quality video content is ever-increasing. Video codecs are responsible for encoding and decoding video data, and they play a crucial role in determining the quality of the video being streamed. The quality of video also depends on the bitrate and compression efficiency of the codec being used.

AV1 and VP9 are two best-in-class codecs that are open-source and royalty-free, which means they can be used by anyone without any licensing fees. Both formats use advanced compression techniques to reduce video file size while maintaining the image quality. However, there are some differences between the two formats.

1. Developer

The AV1 codec is a next-generation video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media, which is a consortium of companies that includes Google, Amazon, and Netflix, among others.

VP9, on the other hand, is a video codec developed by Google as a successor to the VP8 codec, and is part of the WebM project.

2. Licensing

AV1 is open and royalty-free, under the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) license, with a broader and more inclusive licensing framework.

VP9 is also open and royalty-free under the BSD license, making it attractive for web and open-source projects.

3. Bitrate and Compression Efficiency

Although VP9 is more efficient in terms of encoding and decoding performance, AV1 uses a more advanced compression algorithm than VP9, which means that it can achieve better compression efficiency at lower bitrates. To be exact, AV1 can compress video file size by around 30% compared to the VP9 and HEVC codecs to deliver better quality video with less file size.

In addition, AV1 requires more processing power for encoding and decoding than VP9. It is optimized for modern hardware, including CPUs and GPUs, which means that it's commonly used to stream high-quality video on high-end devices.

4. Technical Differences

VP9:

• Uses a combination of 4x4, 8x8, 16x16, and 32x32 blocks for macroblock partitioning.

• Supports both intra-frame (within the same frame) and inter-frame (between different frames) prediction.

• Utilizes deblocking filters to smooth out block edges and improve visual quality.

AV1:

• More flexible and advanced partitioning schemes than VP9, with superblocks up to 128x128 pixels.

• Advanced intra and inter-frame prediction techniques, including new prediction modes and enhanced motion compensation.

• Enhanced deblocking filters, loop restoration filters, and other post-processing tools to improve visual quality.

5. Video Quality

While compression efficiency is important, video quality is equally important. After all, nobody wants to watch a video that looks pixelated or blurry. When it comes to video quality, both VP9 and AV1 deliver excellent results.

VP9 delivers excellent video quality, but AV1 goes one step further. AV1 uses a cutting-edge compression technique called "adaptive bitrate streaming," which adjusts the video quality in real-time based on the user's internet connection. This ensures that the user always gets the best possible video quality, regardless of their internet speed.

6. Hardware Support

When it comes to hardware support, VP9 has a clear advantage over AV1. VP9 has been supported by a wide range of hardware devices, including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs.

On the other hand, AV1 is still relatively new and not widely supported by hardware devices. This means that AV1 videos may not play as smoothly on some devices as VP9 videos.

7. Use Cases and Adoption

AV1 and VP9 have different use cases and adoption rates in the streaming industry. VP9 has been popularized on most video on-demand and streaming services such as YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, etc., while AV1 is a newcomer and is not yet widely adopted. However, some major streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube have started using AV1 for streaming 4K/8K video content.

So, which codec should you choose for video streaming? Both codecs offer high-quality video compression, so you can't go wrong with either choice. The answer depends on your individual needs and circumstances, including your hardware, the types of videos you want to stream, and compatibility.

If you have modern hardware and are looking for a next-generation performance-oriented video codec that can deliver stunning 4K/8K videos on a low bandwidth data connection, then AV1 is undoubtedly the best option. However, if you are using older devices or need a codec that is widely supported, then just go with VP9 for its high compression efficiency and low latency.

Both AV1 and VP9 are open-source codecs, which means that they will continue to evolve and improve over time. They are expected to play a significant role in the future of online video streaming.

Good news is, many video streaming platforms, hardware manufacturers, and software developers are now supporting AV1 and VP9, which will help accelerate their adoption in the coming years. This will help reduce the processing requirements and make AV1 and VP9 more accessible to everyone. But remember, as time will pass on, both the streaming industry and technological developments will ultimately shift towards AV1 and its successors.

Q1: Are there any other video encoding formats besides AV1 and VP9?

A: Yes, there are several other video encoding formats available today, such as H.266/VVC, H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, VP8, and more. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of format depends on the specific requirements of the application.

Q2: Is VP9 becoming obsolete with the rise of AV1?

A: No, VP9 is still widely used and supported by a wide range of devices. While AV1 is on its way to widespread adoption, VP9 is a decent choice to deliver excellent video quality with better hardware support. It will not be obsolete in a short time.

Q3: What are the container formats for AV1 and VP9?

A: Both AV1 and VP9 encoded video data can be encapsulated in the common container formats: MP4, MKV, and WebM.

Q4: How can I know if a video is encoded in AV1 or VP9?

A: You can check the video file properties with a media player like VLC that displays the video codec information, or check video codec using a media information tool like MediaInfo.

Q5: Can I convert my existing videos to AV1 or VP9?

A: Yes, you can convert your existing videos to AV1 or VP9 using a video converter application. With either advanced video codec, it's a pretty good way to compress video file size and keep the original quality. However, keep in mind that the conversion process may take some time.

That's all the brief explanation of AV1 vs VP9. In summary, AV1 and VP9 are two of the most advanced and efficient video encoding formats available today. They offer better compression efficiency, higher image quality, and greater compatibility with different devices and platforms. While AV1 has an edge over VP9 in terms of compression efficiency and image quality, VP9 is more compatible with older devices and platforms.

Also, as the demand for high-quality video content grows, we may also see the emergence of new video codecs that can deliver even better compression efficiency and image quality than both AV1 and VP9. Cheers!