‘A Leap Forward in Open Video Coding’ – AV2 Video Codec Coming by End of Year
Credit: Pixabay
A decade after its founding and seven years after the release of the open-source AV1 video codec, the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) announced the imminent release of its next-generation video codec, AV2. The Alliance called it a “foundational element” of its future technology stack. AV2 is expected to pose serious competition to VVC, the successor to the widely adopted HEVC.
AV2 is positioned not just as an upgrade, but as a fundamental part of AOMedia’s future technology stack. The developers claim the new codec will provide more efficient compression compared to AV1, enabling higher-quality video at lower bitrates. Early tests show a potential 20-30% improvement in compression efficiency compared to AV1. This is achieved through advanced algorithms, including improved intra- and inter-frame prediction, as well as frame-level multi-threading.
In addition to improved compression, AV2 will offer expanded support for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) applications, the ability to simultaneously stream multiple programs in split-screen, and improved processing of screen-captured content. The codec will also support high dynamic range (HDR) and wide color gamut (WCG) content.
The alliance has not yet provided technical information or benchmark results, so users will have to wait until the product’s public release in late 2025. According to AOMedia, 53% of its members plan to implement AV2 within 12 months of the final release, and 88% expect implementation within two years.
