The next video codec, from the team behind MPEG2, MPEG4, and HEVC, is currently being developed. The so-called FVC (Future Video Codec) – or H.266 – is expected to be ready by 2021, according to a report by Advanced Television.

Future Video Codec
Video compression enables us to enjoy HD, 4K, HDR or even 8K video at home. Without it, this kind of video quality simply would not be possible at home. In recent times, MPEG2 enabled SD video, MPEG4 enabled HD video, and HEVC is currently enabling 4K and HDR video.

Work on the next standard is underway with a goal of improving video compression efficiency 50 percent over HEVC. Future Video Codec (FVC), or H.266, will bring further improvements to 4K and enable “even 8K, 12K and 16K”, according to Jérôme Vieron, Director of R&D at Ateme. The information was shared at a seminar in London.

The following development schedule was also shared by Advanced Television.

FVC/H.266 development schedule:
Standardisation process has started – Target >50 per cent over HEVC
Oct 2017, Call for Proposals
Feb 2018, Responses evaluation
Oct 2018, First test models due
Oct 2019, First versions of Standard
End 2020, Final Standard
June 2021, First hardware Codecs

However, it may take longer for the industry to adopt it. The first version of HEVC was published in 2013 but has gained traction only in recent years.

During the presentation, Jérôme Vieron further explained how AI can be used as an integral part of a video codec to actively look at the type of content and target device in order to further optimize video compression. Companies are today using different video compression approaches depending on the type of content but flags are typically set manually before encoding.

Besides FVC/H.266, a group of prominent technology companies have formed the Alliance for Open Media that aims to develop an open video format called AV1. The group includes Apple, Amazon, ARM, Cisco, Facebook, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Mozilla, Netflix, Nvidia, and others. The first version of AV1 is expected to be finalized this year.

- Source: Advanced Television