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What is h.265?

Author: Himanshu Goyal
by Himanshu Goyal
Posted: Aug 19, 2022

The security industry is moving to Ultra HD and 4K video formats, which have high bitrates, making recording and storage of surveillance video a major challenge for end-users as well as system integrators. Video surveillance installations typically require live viewing 24/7. This means that the cost to move potentially large amounts of data across facilities, decode high-resolution video and store it all can increase the cost for the whole system. The most recent developments in video compression techniques can solve this problem.

What is H265? High-Efficiency Coded Video Coding (HEVC)

H.265, also known as High-Efficiency Video Coding or HEVC, can also be translated to mean "high-efficiency video coding."

4K video streaming has led to an exponential increase in bandwidth requirements for video playback. The 8K standard is near, so manufacturers have created a new standard for video encoding.

The HEVC algorithms retain video quality while reducing file sizes up to 50% when compared to H.264.

How H.265 Works

H.265/HEVC offers better video quality and data compression. The secret lies in the technology behind this new codec.

H.264 would split an image into small squares of pixels, known as macroblocks. H.265 uses another encoding method. This codec replaces the use of macroblocks with coding tree units (CTUs). CTUs are able to use block structures of up to 64x64 pixels. HEVC splits the picture into CTU sizes. The coding efficiency is typically increased when the block sizes are larger. H.265 is a great codec.

Is It a Good Idea for Everyone?

Like all new technologies, the best time to make the switch depends on each individual's circumstances and needs. We have some suggestions to help end-users as well as installers, who are considering new systems or upgrading, to choose the right path to H.265.

  • Completely New Systems:

If the benefits of the new system are so obvious, there is no reason not to use it now. The best time to do this is while the infrastructure is being built. While H.264 equipment may be more expensive than H.265 equipment, the infrastructure savings will more than makeup for the difference.

  • Upgrading an Existing System:

A full overhaul of an existing system can be more costly than a completely new installation. It is crucial to plan well and hire an expert installer/integrator who has experience with upgrading systems. If you have to pull the entire system apart and replace it, follow these steps. The new system will be a long-lasting investment. If your existing wired infrastructure is in good shape, you will be able to upgrade endpoints to H.265 capable devices and enjoy all the benefits with the latest protocols and costs a fraction of what a new system would cost.

  • Upgrading a part of a system or adding a new section to an existing one:

It is best to choose cameras with triple codecs that enable simultaneous streaming of H.265, H.264, and MJPEG formats. Once funds are available, NVRs can easily be upgraded. Cameras can then be set up to operate with H.265. A new extension of the system that has H.265 capability can be installed in a newly constructed wing. However, it will continue to use the older protocol while it integrates into the existing system. For multi-stream-capable cameras, a popular hybrid workflow is to stream low-resolution H.264 thumbnails in an x-by y grid view and then record a high-resolution H.265 streaming stream. VMS systems that can switch automatically to a high-resolution H.265 stream when the operator clicks on an image to enlarge it will be displayed in a live x-by-y grid view. This helps to save compute resources while simultaneously decoding live images.

Although there is some value in high-quality images and fast frame rates, organizations with small budgets may not be able to afford higher-quality deployments. H.265 represents a major advancement in video compression technology. This technology can reduce costs and make higher-resolution video formats easier to access for security applications; this is how does h.265 works.

Professional security markets will continue to invest in high-resolution, high-performance cameras. With H.265, users will be able either to transmit more video data using their existing infrastructure or to achieve the same information with less infrastructure. This technical breakthrough is good news for the professional security industry.

About the Author

Currently pursuing a Digital Marketing journey, Making the World Talk about You. I have a good knowledge of Social Media Marketing, SEO, SEM, SMO, Affiliate Marketing, Email Marketing, Internet Marketing

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Author: Himanshu Goyal

Himanshu Goyal

Member since: Sep 08, 2020
Published articles: 9

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