Video Codecs
A video codec defines how video is compressed and decompressed. Choosing the right codec involves trade-offs between compression efficiency, playback compatibility, and licensing. Axinom Encoding currently supports H.264 and H.265.
H.264 (AVC)
H.264, also known as Advanced Video Coding (AVC), is the most widely supported video codec and the default output format for Axinom Encoding.
Pros:
- Near-universal device and browser support
- Mature tooling and well-understood behavior
- Broad industry adoption for streaming workflows
Cons:
- Lower compression efficiency compared to newer codecs
- Higher bandwidth requirements for the same quality at 4K and above
H.264 is the right default choice when broad compatibility matters more than compression efficiency.
H.265 (HEVC)
H.265, also known as High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), is the successor to H.264. It achieves 25–50% better compression at the same visual quality, making it well-suited for high-resolution content where bandwidth savings are important.
Pros:
- Significantly better compression than H.264
- Better suited for 4K and 8K content
Cons:
- Limited playback support — primarily Safari on macOS and iOS
- Complex patent licensing structure has slowed broader adoption
H.265 is a good choice when targeting Apple platforms and bandwidth efficiency is a priority.
Using Codecs with Axinom Encoding
The codec is set via VideoFormat in the content processing section of a job request. H.264 is the default and does not need to be specified explicitly.
When using the Mosaic Video Service, you can simply select the codec from a dropdown in the Content Processing Profile.
| Codec | VideoFormat value |
|---|---|
| H.264 | H264 (default) |
| H.265 | H265 |
Our default bitrate ladder covers most use cases well for both codecs, but you can create your own bitrate ladder using Mosaic Video Service or the Encoding Service API.
DRM Considerations
Both codecs can be DRM-protected. For H.265 content targeting Apple platforms, Apple FairPlay is the natural choice. Axinom DRM supports key provisioning and license delivery for both Widevine/PlayReady (common with H.264) and FairPlay.
Read more: FairPlay and Axinom DRM.