Netflix enables higher-quality streaming via the AV1 codec for some TVs and the PS4 Pro
Netflix has enabled higher quality video streaming to some TVs via AOMedia Video 1 (AV1). AV1 is a video coding format that is both open and royalty-free, designed for internet streaming. The Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), including Apple, Amazon, Google and Netflix, manages this codec.
Netflix claims that it has measured improvement in compression efficiency through the use of AV1 versus other codecs. Netflix says that A/B tests it conducted showed several measurable improvements, such as requiring less bandwidth to reach high resolutions and a lack of apparent drops in quality during streaming.
The feature has already been available on Netflix’s Android app since February. At launch, Netflix declared that it saw a 20% improvement in compression compared to the VP9 codec. However, the company recognised that most of its subscribers stream shows on their TV, which is why Netflix has now launched the feature for AV1 capable TVs and the PlayStation 4 Pro.
Netflix has hinted at enabling more devices for AV1 streaming in the future, though no timeline has been given. Plus, it is exploring AV1 with HDR to improve streaming quality further.