A big new streaming video upgrade supported by Disney, Apple, Google and more was just unveiled, and it could improve sports viewing and picture quality

• AV2 specification will be published by the end of 2025
• More efficient video streaming with multi-stream capability
• The spec is a blueprint and will need hardware firms' support

The launch of a new video codec isn't usually a big deal. But AV2 could be very important. The Alliance for Open Media has announced that it plans to release the new codec later this year, and 53% of its members say they'll adopt it within 12 months of the final release.

Given that the AOM members include Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Netflix and Samsung – and that's just from the steering committee – that means this could be a big step forward. AV2 promises some very big improvements in what streaming can deliver, although we won't get the details until the spec has been finalized.

AV2 is focused on delivering more video using less data, reducing the load on the network without also reducing the fidelity of what you're watching. As we move to higher-resolution streaming, that's going to become increasingly important. And AV2 does more than just scrunch more video into the same stream.

AV2: the streaming boogaloo

AV2 is the successor to AV1, which was created as a royalty-free alternative to the HEVC video codec. It's been used by both Netflix and YouTube (and the adult industry, which is always a notable element in any format war…) and delivers the same quality at lower bitrates than rival codecs.

According to the Alliance, AV2 "provides enhanced support for AR/VR applications, split-screen delivery of multiple programs, improved handling of screen content, and an ability to operate over a wider visual quality range."

That split-screen option is particularly interesting, because it opens up interesting possibilities for sports and other live event streaming. And because we're optimistic types, let's interpret "wider visual quality range" to mean the chance for higher quality streaming rather than low- and medium quality.

If the members of the Alliance do what they say they will, 88% of them will adopt AV2 within two years of its release. But that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be using it for everything – there are other advanced codecs, such as H.266 / VVC, that also improve on HEVC – and it needs to be supported by streaming receivers, TVs, computers and smartphones too.

But it certainly looks like AV2 could hit the ground running among some of the best streaming services and on some of the best TVs – and I'm sure the recently announced Dolby Vision 2 HDR will be factor in its support or rollout.

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