What is an HEVC file?
High Efficiency Video Compression (HEVC) files are a video compression file designed to store video content at a low file size. Also known as H.265, this codec is the natural successor to the widely used H.264, or AVC formats.
HEVCs are very common and universally compatible with many leading video production, editing, and delivery programs. The format gives users the option of distributing high-quality videos, with a much-improved rate of overall data compression.
Though not quite as prominent as the file they replaced, the H.264, H.265s are enduringly popular and have seen widespread use since they first hit the market nearly a decade ago.
History of the HEVC file.
H.265 development was a joint venture between 12 leading global companies to craft the next industry standard video content file. The Joint-Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC) worked closely with ISO/IEC MPEG and ITU-T Study Group 16 VCEG to launch the newly designed HEVC in the summer of 2013.
Since then, multiple patent holders have released updated versions and new and improved iterations of the file format. These advances focused on developments in efficiency and specifications, hoping to widen HEVC’s use and compatibility.
How to use HEVC files.
HEVC, is an industry-standard codec within the video industry, primarily used in the distribution and delivery of high-quality video content.
Like their predecessor, the AVC file, H.265s can store video up to a quality of 8K UHD. However, unlike the AVC, the new file format can deliver such quality at a much lower compression rate – meaning file size is even smaller.
High-definition streaming.
H.265s pack a lot of power into their comparatively small file size. That makes them a perfect choice for delivering high quality output via cloud stream.
Most online streaming giants favour HEVCs and their predecessor, as they deliver impressive-looking video content — without being too difficult to stream and download at home.
HDTV broadcasting.
HEVC files have a smaller file size and compression rates, on average, compared to other leading compression codes. This makes it ideal for delivering video via digital signal.
Be it via over streaming or via the airwaves with more traditional high-definition TV sources, HEVC has become a popular choice for HDTV broadcasts.
Pros and cons of HEVC files.
They may be one of the most widely used container-less video files around. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t drawbacks to HEVC files. Here’s a breakdown.
Pros.
- Incredible picture quality. HEVC is able to deliver up to 8K quality video, all in a comparatively small file size — keeping pace with the demands for high-quality playback.
- Frame rate of up to 300fps. By identifying which frames repeat when a picture displays, HEVC files don’t send every single frame during playback. This lowers the total size of the file too.
- Renders in superior quality. HEVC files offer less latency issues, so there is less delay in a picture displaying after a request for it to play.
Cons.
- Still needs lots of storage. Despite being comparatively smaller in file size than its predecessor, H.265 still has large storage requirements, when compared to other codec files.
- Huge processing power required. When compressing and rendering H.265, the file often exceeds what is possible on many standard desktop and laptops for home creators.
- Can be slow and clunky. Their hefty size means that HEVCs can be slow and unwieldy to move, send and deliver. This can cause issues if you’re transferring the file to people collaborating on a project.
Find out which codec file types are supported by Adobe Premiere.
How to open an HEVC file.
Apple devices running iOS 11 or higher support HEVC files. For Windows, you may need an extension to open HEVCs, depending on the device you are using. General compatibility extensions are available from the app store.
Once you’ve got your extension, just right-click on the H.265 file and select “Open With”, opting to open with your chosen HEVC compatible media player — like VLC Media Player.
How to create and edit an HEVC file.
You can create an H.265 file by exporting your video creation in the required format through a compatible video editing tool, such as Adobe Premiere.
As this type of codec is for distribution and delivery only, it’s not possible to edit the original file elements. To edit the contents of an HEVC, you’ll need to convert it to an editable file, like a MOV, for use in your chosen video editor.
Questions? We have answers.
HEVCs are among the best container-less content files available and can compress bit rate and file size of video by up to 30% without any loss to overall image quality.
Not currently. It’s not possible to upload H.265 files to YouTube for distribution. You might want to try and convert your file into a more YouTube-friendly file.
H.265s have the ability to contain 4K video. However, H.265 refers to the file compression format, while 4K is in reference to the overall image quality.
It is. HEVCs offer a picture quality of up to 8K and can compress data at a rate two-times as powerful as that of a standard Blu-ray device — offering much better picture quality in a smaller file size.
Some leading video streaming services and TV broadcasters use H.265s to deliver the best quality video via the cloud or broadcast media to consumer TV devices in the home.
Explore how video software can help with a range of video projects today:
Learn more about similar file types to HEVC.
AVC
Take a look at AVC, one of the most-popular video compression formats on the market.
WMV.
Learn more about Windows Media Video, Microsoft’s standard for video distribution and delivery.
XVID.
Find out about MPEG compression with the XVID codec format. Read more here.
VP9.
Discover VP9, Google’s open-source codec for video distribution.