Complete guide to AV2: how the new open-source video codec works

AV2 is a video compression format designed to reduce file sizes while maintaining image quality. This allows streaming platforms, browsers, media players, video editors, and hardware providers to process high-resolution video more efficiently.

• Efficiency: AV2 offers a significant improvement in compression compared to its predecessor AV1, allowing video of the same quality to be delivered with less bandwidth or improving quality with the same bitrate.
• Applications: In addition to traditional use in film and web, AV2 is designed to support AR and VR content, split screens, screen content, and a wider range of visual quality levels.
• Advantages: Streaming services can reduce delivery costs, while users can expect better playback quality, smaller files, and smoother streaming on limited connections.

AV2 is an open-source and royalty-free codec, offering an alternative to proprietary codecs. However, the 1.0 version of AV2 does not yet indicate readiness for widespread use, but it represents an important milestone for developers and the ecosystem.

Prerequisites

• Linux operating system
• Git for repository cloning
• C/C++ compiler
• CMake library
• YASM library
• libpng library
• libyuv library

Procedure to Explore AV2 v1.0

By the end of this guide, you will have explored the main features and resources available for AV2 v1.0, the successor to the open-source video codec AV1.

• Access the AVM v1.0 release page.
• Download the AV2 Bitstream & Decoding Process Specification v1.0 file to understand the technical specifications of the codec.
• Visit the AVM GitHub repository to explore the source code and development documents.
• Consult the official AV2 website for more details on the codec's features and goals.

Verification and Troubleshooting

By the end of this guide, you will be able to test the functioning of AV2 and resolve any implementation issues.

Functionality Test

• Decoding Verification: Use the AV2 bitstream and decoding process specification file to test the decoding of an AV2 video stream. Ensure that the decoder produces correct video output.
• Compression Test: Compare the file size and image quality of a video encoded in AV2 with a video encoded in AV1. Verify that AV2 offers better compression efficiency.
• Integration with FFmpeg: If you are using FFmpeg, verify that AV2 is supported and can be used to encode and decode video.

Troubleshooting

• Decoding Issues: If the decoder does not produce correct output, verify that the AV2 bitstream and decoding process specification have been implemented correctly. Also check the decoder's compatibility with the AV2 format.
• Compression Issues: If compression is not as efficient as expected, ensure you are using the latest version of AV2 and compare the results with those obtained with AV1. You may need to optimize the encoding parameters.
• Lack of Hardware Support: If your hardware does not support AV2, you may need to wait for firmware or hardware updates. Check the system requirements and ensure your device is compatible.
• Integration with Media Players and Browsers: If AV2 is not supported by your media player or browser, you may need to wait for software updates. Check compatibility and consider using alternative software that supports AV2.

Educational Summary and Call to Action

By the end of this guide, you will have understood the potential of AV2, the new open-source video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media. AV2 represents a significant step forward in video compression, offering tangible improvements in terms of efficiency and quality.

• Advanced Compression: AV2 allows reducing video file sizes while maintaining or improving image quality, a crucial advantage for streaming and managing high-resolution content.
• Future Applications: In addition to traditional uses in streaming and web, AV2 is designed to support advanced applications such as AR and VR, thanks to its ability to handle higher resolutions and reduced latency.
• Evolving Ecosystem: Although AV2 v1.0 is an important milestone, its widespread adoption requires further developments, including mature encoders and decoders, integrations with tools like FFmpeg, and support from browsers and streaming platforms.

To further explore AV2 and contribute to its development, consult the project's GitHub repository or visit the official AV2 website. This is just the beginning: the adoption and optimization of AV2 will depend on the active contribution of the technical community.