How AV2 Redefines Streaming Quality and Infrastructure Readiness

The introduction of AV2 is more than just a technical upgrade—it is a turning point for video streaming worldwide. Over the past few years, AV1 has been a reliable workhorse, helping platforms cut delivery costs while keeping decent quality. But the media landscape has changed faster than AV1 could keep up. Viewers now expect seamless 4K playback on any device, HDR without compromises, interactive sports broadcasts, and even immersive 360-degree video. That is where AV2 steps in. It is not simply “AV1, version two,” but a codec built with the next decade of streaming in mind.

AV2 is designed to deliver on two fronts at once: it improves what viewers see on the screen and reduces the strain on the networks that deliver it. Users will notice fewer buffering interruptions, faster start times, and a more stable picture when bandwidth fluctuates. For providers, the gains are just as important: lower bandwidth usage, more efficient CDN operations, and the ability to experiment with new features like multi-angle streaming without breaking the budget. The challenge, of course, is that the entire delivery chain—encoding systems, CDNs, players, and monitoring tools—must be updated in step. Those who plan this migration early will reap the benefits faster and with less friction.

Why AV2 Raises the Standard

At its core, AV2 is about efficiency. By squeezing more quality out of each bit, it makes streaming smoother and more scalable. Early tests suggest that a 1080p stream that required around 8 Mbps with AV1 or HEVC could be delivered at 6 Mbps with AV2 at similar visual quality, though actual gains vary by content type and encoder maturity. That might not sound like much for one user, but at the scale of millions of viewers it means a massive reduction in traffic, lower costs for providers, and less stress on global networks. In fact, for many streaming giants, the savings could translate into millions of dollars annually.

But efficiency is only part of the story. AV2 also solves a problem that has long annoyed broadcasters: the way codecs handle complex scenes. Sports, news, and e-learning are full of graphics, text overlays, and dynamic transitions. Older codecs often blurred text, introduced flickering on animated tickers, or caused ghosting effects. AV2 fixes this by keeping edges sharp and overlays stable. The result is a professional, polished look that matches what audiences expect from premium services.

Another standout feature is its support for multi-view and split-screen content. Until now, giving viewers the option to switch between multiple camera angles or watch several feeds at once meant duplicating streams and wasting bandwidth. AV2 changes this by allowing multiple synchronized views to travel together. Imagine a football fan being able to watch the match from the main broadcast angle, switch instantly to the goalkeeper’s view, or even keep both on screen at once—all without choking the network. The same applies to gaming tournaments, live concerts, and even corporate events where different perspectives enrich the experience.

And then there is the future: immersive video. AV2 is built with VR and 360-degree formats in mind. These formats are bandwidth-hungry and unforgiving when latency spikes. AV2’s optimizations mean providers can deliver immersive experiences more smoothly, paving the way for new products and markets. For companies looking to position themselves ahead of the curve, this future-proofing is one of AV2’s most valuable traits.

While AV2 sets a higher bar for efficiency and advanced features, comparisons with other next-generation codecs such as VVC (H.266) or MPEG-5 EVC show that actual gains vary by content type and encoder maturity. Professional workflows should also treat 4:2:2 and 10-bit HDR profiles with caution, as toolchain support and encoder stability are still evolving.

How Infrastructures Must Change

Switching to AV2 is not just about flipping a switch on an encoder. While AV2 shows promising efficiency compared to AV1 and even VVC in some scenarios, large-scale adoption depends on decoder availability, toolchain maturity, and streaming stack compatibility (HLS/DASH with CMAF, LL-HLS/LL-DASH, DRM). Early migrations will likely start with VOD before time-critical live workflows.

The entire infrastructure must evolve. Encoding pipelines will need to handle AV2 while still supporting older formats like AV1, HEVC, and AVC. For years to come, providers will live in a hybrid world where not every device can decode AV2. That means encoding ladders must be redesigned. AV2’s efficiency allows for fewer bitrate tiers, which simplifies delivery, but only if those tiers are carefully tuned to avoid playback instability when networks fluctuate.

On the playback side, software and hardware need to catch up. In the short term, most devices will rely on software decoding for AV2, which increases CPU load and can drain batteries faster. Over time, hardware vendors will introduce native support, but providers cannot sit idle waiting for that. They will need hybrid strategies that deliver AV2 to capable devices and fall back gracefully to AV1 or HEVC for others.

Content delivery networks are another area where change is inevitable. CDN nodes must be able to handle AV2 segments and caching logic while continuing to support older formats in parallel. That sounds straightforward, but the complexity rises quickly when millions of sessions run simultaneously. Efficient caching, segment alignment, and manifest management are essential to avoid increased latency or wasted resources.

Content libraries pose their own challenges. No provider will re-encode their entire back catalog overnight. Instead, they will need to prioritize: popular titles, flagship shows, and premium 4K HDR content will be first in line. Metadata and versioning systems will need to be rock-solid to keep track of multiple codec versions of the same asset. Without strong organization, the risk of delivery errors multiplies.

Monitoring and analytics will also need a revamp. Metrics like start-up delay, rebuffering events, and playback resolution are still relevant, but they must be calibrated for AV2. Tools like VMAF must be adapted to properly evaluate AV2 quality. Providers will also want to track adoption rates—how many sessions use AV2 versus older codecs—and collect error data to quickly address playback issues. Without this visibility, it is impossible to know whether the investment in AV2 is paying off.

Migration Timelines and Risks

The AV2 rollout will be gradual, and providers need to be realistic about the timeline. Hardware acceleration is unlikely to become common before 2026. Until then, many devices will rely on software decoding. That is feasible for desktops and high-end smartphones, but mid-range devices may struggle, particularly at higher resolutions. Providers must anticipate these limits and design fallback strategies.

Encoders will also take time to mature. Early versions may not achieve the promised compression gains or may operate too slowly for live workflows. Providers must plan for incremental improvements, knowing that performance will get better as the ecosystem develops. For live pipelines, encoding complexity and glass-to-glass latency remain the gating factors. Expect transitional setups: AV2 for VOD libraries, AV1/HEVC for live, with per-title and content-aware encoding to balance cost, quality, and latency.

Fragmentation is inevitable. Some ecosystems will adopt AV2 quickly, while others will focus on competing standards like VVC or EVC. Providers will need to run multi-codec environments longer than they would like, which increases complexity and cost. This is not a reason to delay adoption, but it underscores the need for careful planning.

The financial side cannot be ignored. Upgrading encoders, CDN infrastructure, players, monitoring tools, and staff training all require investment. For smaller providers, this can seem daunting. But the potential returns—lower CDN bills, improved user satisfaction, and new revenue streams from advanced features— make it a worthwhile long-term play.

Despite these risks, industry momentum is strong. With backing from the largest tech companies, AV2 is expected to become the dominant codec within a few years. Surveys already suggest that most providers plan to adopt it within two years of release. Early movers will enjoy both cost savings and competitive differentiation.

Why It Matters for the Industry

AV2 is not just another codec in the long line of compression standards. It is a tool that enables growth. By reducing costs, it allows providers to scale more sustainably. By improving visual quality, it keeps audiences engaged and satisfied. By supporting new formats, it opens doors to entirely new experiences.

Think of a streaming platform that wants to differentiate itself. With AV2, it can offer interactive sports broadcasts with multiple angles, provide smoother 4K HDR streaming even on mobile networks, and prepare for immersive content without rewriting its entire infrastructure. These are not theoretical benefits—they are practical advantages that shape the competitive landscape.

Promwad supports companies through this transformation. Our expertise in embedded systems, FPGA acceleration, and video architectures allows us to design AV2-ready workflows that balance innovation with reliability. We help clients integrate new encoders, adapt delivery systems, and monitor quality to ensure a smooth transition. Acting early on AV2 is not just about keeping up with the industry; it is about leading it.

For the wider ecosystem, AV2 represents a new chapter. It bridges the gap between today’s expectations and tomorrow’s opportunities. Providers that embrace it quickly will not just adapt—they will set the tone for the future of video streaming.

Promwad helps OTT and broadcast teams prototype AV2-ready pipelines, validate codec toolchains, and plan staged rollouts (VOD first, live later) without breaking existing HLS/DASH + DRM stacks.

AI Overview: AV2 Codec Breakthrough

AV2 Codec Breakthrough — Overview (2025)
AV2 is the new open codec designed to replace AV1 with stronger compression, cleaner overlays, and built-in support for multi-view and immersive formats.

Key Applications:

• Efficient delivery of 4K and 8K streaming
• Split-screen and multi-angle viewing for sports and events
• Sharper overlays for news, education, and interactive content
• Support for VR and 360-degree experiences

Benefits:

• Lower bandwidth costs and CDN usage
• Smoother playback with fewer buffering issues
• Improved fidelity in premium tiers without higher bitrates
• Future readiness for immersive and interactive services

Challenges:

• Slow adoption of hardware support across devices
• Immaturity of early encoders and higher CPU load from software decoding
• Complexity of managing multi-codec delivery for years to come
• Costs of infrastructure upgrades and training

Outlook:

• Short term: hybrid deployments combining AV2 with legacy codecs
• Mid term: wider adoption as hardware support becomes common between 2026–2028
• Long term: AV2 becomes the baseline codec for efficient, scalable, and immersive global streaming

Related Terms: AV2 codec, AV1 codec, video compression, streaming infrastructure, immersive video, broadcast innovation.