HEVC vs H264 - Understanding Their Differences & How to Convert Easily

Suppose you work with long videos and encounter the H.264 AVC vs. H.265 HEVC compression standards for the first time. Let us think which will give more quality and take less space. One can decide on the formats only after weighing the video size, quality, and hardware compatibility issues. In the course of this article, we are going to examine H.264 and H.265 formats, their features, and how to convert from one format to the other efficiently using AVAide Video Converter.

Part 1. HEVC vs H264 - What Are They

In terms of video encoding, H.264 and H.265 parts are some of the standard protocols that are widely used in the processes of video compression and especially streaming.

H.264 Codec (AVC)

H.264 is among the recent video encoding systems known as Advanced Video Coding (AVC). It is a video compression standard that achieves practical compression for many types of video, including mobile and streaming services. Due to H.264's good compression ratio for standard definition material, even at low bit rates, and even expansion into broader markets, it has been the most popular standard used in various online video services.

H.265 Formation (HEVC)

H.265, which is the HEVC encoding standard, has been designed following the AVC encoding standard as its core. In fact, the codec is designed for future needs to address the resolution requirements of 4K, 8K, and other higher resolutions. Its image quality is clear. However, the size of the files is much smaller and has better compression than that of the H.264 Codec, even up to 50 percent smaller. Unfortunately, processing is more demanding, and most devices do not support it overall.

Comparison Chart: H.264 vs H.265

Part 2. Why Do You Need HEVC or H264

You need HEVC (H.265) or H.264 because these formats are pivotal in video file compression without degrading quality. Compression is also essential since the video files in their original raw format are very bulky, making them hard to stream, keep, or pass around.

This is the reason these codecs are needed:

1. Space Saving:

• H.264: It makes it possible to get sizable uploaded video files without very extreme quality loss through content delivery networks, hence suiting mobile streaming and video browsing.
• H.265: Further enhancement enables additional compression, reducing the amount of H.264 files by 50%, which serves high-resolution formats like 4K and 8K needing to use a video size reducer.

2. Streaming & Bandwidth Optimization:

• It is possible and practical to employ both codecs for streaming as both streams are made light, requiring unnecessary data to be sent over the network for playing back video content. It is hard to find a video that takes too long to load or is buffered even with a low internet speed.

3. Usability Across Devices:

• H.264: Very low odds for playback issues as it is compatible with nearly all devices, from phones to computers, making the market size large.
• H.265: More efficient than H.264 but comes with barriers such as requiring more advanced chopping devices and long cables, which could prevent its widespread use, but it is ideal for the future of videography.

4. Shoring Up for Further Increase in Level of Adoption:

• As content recordings shift from normal formats such as HD to higher formats such as 4K, 8K, and VR, H.265 will prove vital to avoid obsolescence of any video material created. It helps preserve video quality while enabling high storage and transmission levels.

5. Increased Video Quality with Adjusted Bitrate:

• H.265: This codec achieved better H.264 HD video compression and captured the video quality in less bandwidth bit rate surfaces. High-quality video is rendered without using too much bandwidth.

Part 3. Easily Convert Between HEVC and H264

In the case of transferring videos from and to HEVC(H.265) and H.264 formats, AVAide Video Converter does it better than the rest. It gives an efficient and easy-to-use interface that does not compromise the quality of the conversion and supports various formats. Whichever the reason, it could be for the greater efficiency of HEVC or the wider adoption of H264, AVAide allows you to switch back and forth between the two without a hassle.

Detailed Procedure:

Step 1First, get the AVAide Video Converter program for Windows or Mac.

Step 2Next, load the program and click the Add Files button to choose your HEVC or H.264 video file.

Step 3If you look at the format dropdown on the right, click the Video tab from the list and choose H.264 (MP4) or HEVC (H.265) per your requirements.

Step 4Finally, the Convert All button converts the selected video to the specified format in seconds without losing quality.

By Jane Pineda on Dec 10, 2024