As we continue to advance video technology to allow for greater detail than ever before, we find that we're using far more bandwidth and storage space than a decade ago. There is also a limitation to h.264 encoding that does not support 8k. With these factors being known something needed to be done. So work on the H.265 codec began.
H.265 uses a much more refined algorithm to encode higher quality video, using less space, without significant loss in image quality. In videos that contain moving objects, you'll receive about 20% more efficiency. While the video is still, with no movement, you can save over 50% of the storage space you'd need. This will save valuable NVR Hard Drive space allowing for more days of recording without swapping or adding any drives.
Visual of H.264 and H.265 algorithms identifying key points in an image.
All of this doesn't come without a cost, though. H.265 encoding does take more processor time to decode the video. This will make it more processor intensive when playing back video on your NVR or DVR and more susceptible to Over Decode Ability Exceptions. The H.265 decode processor time could be up to 10x the processor time needed for H.264.
Testing H.265 vs H.264 Compression
We did our own simple testing just to see if what is said is true. We used a 4MP camera and a 2MP camera, configured the network address and codec, then started recording video.It's not the most controlled test out there, it's just to give an idea as to the potential of these codecs. We kept the default settings for bit rate etc. and only changed the codecs used for compression. Our objective is to take short (15-30 sec) video clips and analyze them after they've been converted from their native .dav format to .avi to see if any noticeable changes occur. Some of our cameras also offer what is called a Smart Codec. This uses another algorithm to store the video using far less space.
It's not the most controlled test out there, it's just to give an idea as to the potential of these codecs. We kept the default settings for bit rate etc. and only changed the codecs used for compression. Our objective is to take short (15-30 sec) video clips and analyze them after they've been converted from their native .dav format to .avi to see if any noticeable changes occur. Some of our cameras also offer what is called a Smart Codec. This uses another algorithm to store the video using far less space.
Our objective is to take short (15-30 sec) video clips and analyze them after they've been converted from their native .dav format to .avi to see if any noticeable changes occur. Some of our cameras also offer what is called a Smart Codec. This uses another algorithm to store the video using far less space.
Some of our cameras also offer what is called a Smart Codec. This uses another algorithm to store the video using far less space.
| H.265 vs H.264 Encoding | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image Size (in mp) |
Record Time (in seconds) |
File Size | |||
| H.264 Codec | H.265 Codec | H.264 & Smart Codec | H.265 & Smart Codec | ||
| 4 | 20 | 20.54MB | 9.73MB | 0.97MB | 0.91MB |
| 2 | 20 | 13.01MB | 5.89MB | 0.82MB | 0.71MB |
*Note that the Smart Codec can only be activated directly via the camera's web interface on devices that have this capability.
There is no option for to turn the Smart Codec on or off via relay from the NVR. The camera must be on a network with an IP address that matches the rest of the network segment and powered on. You cannot reach an IP camera's web service by powering a camera through a PoE port that is integrated into an NVR.
Findings
We've found that using the H.265 codec does save about half the storage space you are using on still scenes without much movement, and no real loss of video quality. However, enabling the Smart Codec with a variable frame rate seems to do the job very well. Reducing the storage required drastically for the same amount of time on the recorded video.
In the photos below you see no major change in quality from one image to another, even though the video used differing compression methods and bandwidth.
4MP Camera Images - Codec used listed over image
2MP Camera Images - Codec used listed over image
Conclusion
The H.265 codec provides a comparable video vs H.264 while saving valuable storage space. However, users may run into playback issues as they may not have the codec to decode the video on their computer.
The Smart Codec offers deeper compression than either H.264 or H.265 alone. Longer tests would need to be performed to evaluate artifacts and ability to record moving objects.
If you have a system that is H.265 compatible, I see no reason why you shouldn't switch your encoding method over from H.264. As the new codec saves storage space while providing the same video quality.
If you need a viewer to play the converted files try downloading and installing If you need a viewer to play the converted files try downloading and installing VLC. If you already have VLC uninstall the version you have and install the newest version.
H.265 Capable Products
Given that compression happens at the camera with IP cameras before it's sent over the line, you'll be saving bandwidth as well as storage space. Using a system, both the IP cameras and NVR must be H.265 compatible. H.265 is a relatively new technology and is not available on all of our units.
As time goes by, more products will roll out with this encoding method. Be sure to use the search bar at the top of the page with "H.265" entered to see all of the offerings we have currently.
