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YouTube plans to introduce a new AV2 video codec aimed at improving picture quality while reducing data usage. The first content using this technology could appear in early 2027. However, full support on televisions will have to wait.
AV2 is set to deliver better picture quality and reduced data usage
AV2 is the successor to the AV1 codec, developed by the Alliance for Open Media, an organisation that brings together, among others, Google, Apple, Samsung and Netflix. The new standard offers around 30% more efficient compression, allowing better picture quality at the same bitrate or similar quality with lower data usage.
The codec also introduces improvements in HDR support, high refresh rates and multi-view streaming, useful for example during sports events.
When will AV2 reach TVs?
YouTube plans to begin rolling out AV2 in web browsers in the first quarter of 2027. Initially, decoding will be handled by software.
For TVs, the situation is more complicated. Current models do not offer hardware decoding of AV2, so broader adoption of the new standard in Smart TVs will probably have to wait a few years.
Sources: Alliance for Open Media, FlatpanelsHD, HDTVTest
