H.265 (HEVC): Advantages and Disadvantages

This article explores the pros and cons of H.265 (HEVC), also known as High Efficiency Video Coding. We’ll delve into the benefits and drawbacks of this video compression standard.

Introduction to H.265 (HEVC)

H.265, introduced in 2013, is a video compression standard that serves as the successor to the widely-used H.264. Often referred to as HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), it employs advanced techniques for better compression.

These techniques include:

• Large block sizes
• More efficient entropy coding
• Improved motion compensation

H.265 finds applications in video conferencing, video streaming, video surveillance, and more.

Here’s a look at some of the key features of H.265 (HEVC):

• Supports high-resolution video up to 8K resolution.
• Supports a wide range of video formats, including 3D video and HDR video.
• Supports 10-bit color depth.
• Supports 35 modes in intra prediction.
• Supports 32 x 32, 16 x 16, 8 x 8, and 4 x 4 integer DCT transform.
• Supports CABAC entropy coding.
• Supports 64 x 64 pixel macroblocks, compared to the 16x16 supported by H.264.
• Offers improved compression due to prediction motion between frames.
• Supports in-loop filtering, such as adaptive de-blocking filters and sample adaptive offset filters.

Benefits (Advantages) of H.265 (HEVC)

Here are some of the key benefits or advantages of using H.265 (HEVC):

• Improved Compression: Offers a higher level of compression (approximately 30% to 50%) compared to H.264 while maintaining good video quality. This means smaller file sizes without sacrificing visual fidelity.
• Higher Resolution and Bit Depth Support: Supports higher video resolutions and bit depths, allowing for more detailed and vibrant video.
• Lower Bit Rates: Requires fewer bit rates compared to H.264, making it more efficient. This translates to less bandwidth consumption for streaming and smaller storage requirements.
• Parallel Processing: Supports parallel processing, leading to faster video encoding and decoding times, especially on devices with multiple cores.
• Encoding Flexibility: Offers more flexibility in encoding settings, allowing video creators to adjust settings to meet specific application requirements.
• Enhanced Color Representation: Uses 10-bit color depth, supporting more color shades and a wider range of colors compared to H.264’s 8-bit color depth. This results in richer and more accurate color representation.

Drawbacks (Disadvantages) of H.265 (HEVC)

While H.265 offers several advantages, it also has some drawbacks:

• Higher Processing Power Requirements: Requires more processing power compared to H.264. This can be a limitation for older or less powerful devices.
• Licensing Costs: Use of H.265/HEVC codec is subject to licensing, requiring manufacturers to pay royalties. This increases the cost of devices that use H.265.
• Computational Complexity: More computationally expensive due to larger prediction units and complex motion estimation (Intra prediction with more nodes, asymmetric partitions in inter prediction). This translates to longer encoding times.
• Compatibility Issues: H.265 is a relatively newer standard, so it may encounter compatibility issues with legacy hardware and software. Older devices might not be able to decode H.265 videos.
• Complexity for Professionals: The H.265 codec is more complex than H.264, requiring video professionals to undergo additional training and acquire more resources to effectively work with it.