Want to understand how broadcast video actually gets from the camera to the screen?
Video encoding powers everything you watch on television and the internet. It compresses bulky raw video files down to a more manageable size to travel over cable, satellite, and the internet. It’s done without compromising picture quality, but it can seem like alphabet soup to the novice.
H.264. HEVC. AV1. MPEG-2. SDI. IP.
What does it all mean?
A look at professional broadcasting video encoding standards. Stripped down. Made simple.
Let’s jump in…
Here’s what’s coming up:
- What Is Video Encoding In Broadcasting?
- Why Encoding Standards Matter So Much
- The Top Video Encoding Standards Used Today
- How A Broadcast Signal Converter Fits In
- Picking The Right Standard For Your Setup
What Is Video Encoding In Broadcasting?
Video encoding is the process of compressing uncompressed video.
Raw video files are massive. Massive. Massive. A minute of uncompressed 4K video can use up several gigabytes of storage. Try to broadcast that, and you would bring the network to its knees.
An encoder removes unnoticeable information using smart algorithms. The output is a much smaller file, which still looks good on screen. In a professional broadcast environment, this process is done in real time and is sent to viewers over satellite, cable, fibre or IP networks.
Why Encoding Standards Matter So Much
Encoding standards are basically the rulebook that every device follows.
Without standards, your encoder wouldn’t speak the same language as your viewer’s decoder. It would be the same as trying to read a book that no one speaks. Standards ensure that what you send is what they see. Every time.
They also affect:
- Video quality: better standards mean sharper pictures at the same bitrate.
- Bandwidth use: efficient standards use less data, saving you money.
- Device compatibility: the right standard works on more screens.
- Latency: some are built for live, others for recorded content.
The correct encoding standard is what can make or break a stream between looking incredible and endlessly buffering. For this reason, equipment selection plays a large role in the equation. For those building a professional workflow, purchasing high-quality equipment from reputable manufacturers like Thor Broadcast is typically the most logical first step to ensuring reliable broadcast signal converter performance and sustained uptime.
The Top Video Encoding Standards Used Today
Here are the primary encoding standards you will encounter in professional broadcasting. We’ll discuss each of these standards…
H.264 (AVC)
H.264 (or AVC – Advanced Video Coding) remains by far the most prevalent codec in use globally.
H.264 has been around since 2003, and is supported by just about every device. Smart TVs, phones, laptops, streaming boxes, you name it. In fact, over 50% of video distribution still uses H.264, even today.
H.264 is perfect for:
- HD broadcasting
- Live streaming
- Standard quality OTT platforms
- Low-bandwidth situations
The only con? It’s starting to feel its age with 4K and 8K content.
HEVC (H.265)
HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding or H.265) is the next generation of H.264.
The greatest benefit is the compression. HEVC provides 25% to 50% improved compression over H.264 at the same quality. This allows you to stream 4K with about half the bandwidth.
That’s massive.
HEVC has become the preferred format for Ultra HD content. It is commonly used in satellite TV, IPTV and OTT services streaming 4K/8K. HEVC decoding is now commonly built in to smart TVs.
AV1
AV1 is the new kid on the block.
AV1, developed by the Alliance for Open Media (Google, Netflix, Amazon, Apple), is royalty-free. It’s a major sales point for those streaming services.
AV1 provides improved compression over HEVC, but it has significantly higher encoding requirements in terms of processing power. This is why, as of now, it’s primarily used for on-demand instead of live content.
VVC and MPEG-2
VVC (H.266) is the latest standard and it’s expected to offer about 50% more compression than HEVC. Support is still in its early stages, but it’s being tested for 8K and immersive media.
MPEG-2 is the veteran standard from the mid 1990s. You won’t be creating anything new with it, but will likely encounter it in legacy cable TV systems.
How A Broadcast Signal Converter Fits In
So where does a broadcast signal converter come into all of this?
A broadcast signal converter is the physical hardware that receives a signal of one format and converts it to another format. HDMI to SDI, or a raw SDI feed to IP encoded for transport over a network would be two examples.
Here’s why it’s important: In a production environment, there are a number of disparate pieces of equipment. Cameras, switchers, encoders, transmitters all on different “languages”. The signal converter is the translator that ties it all together.
The global video encoder market size was estimated at USD 2.81 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 4.79 billion by 2035. The primary driving factors are adoption of 4K and 8K content and adoption of IP workflows.
A good broadcast signal converter will:
- Support multiple input and output formats (SDI, HDMI, IP, ASI)
- Handle resolution up and down conversion
- Keep latency low for live broadcasts
- Work with modern codecs like HEVC and H.264
Without the right converter, your workflow falls apart.
Picking The Right Standard For Your Setup
Which encoding standard should you actually use? It depends on what you’re broadcasting.
Here are some quick rules of thumb:
- For HD live broadcasting: H.264 is a safe bet because of universal compatibility.
- For 4K or 8K broadcasting: go with HEVC to save on bandwidth.
- For streaming on-demand content: AV1 is worth considering.
- For future-proofing a high-end studio: keep an eye on VVC.
Also, consider your audience. Are they watching on old TVs? New smart devices? Mobile phones? No matter how good a codec is, it won’t do any good if your viewers can’t decode it.
Don’t forget about budget either. Some codecs have licensing fees. AV1 is free.
Bringing It All Together
Video encoding standards are the invisible workhorse of professional broadcasting.
Codecs dictate a video’s appearance, bandwidth consumption, and who can access it. It’s essential for engineers and any broadcast professional to know the differences between H.264, HEVC, AV1, VVC and MPEG-2.
A quick recap:
- H.264 is king for HD, HEVC leads for 4K and beyond
- A broadcast signal converter ties all your different gear together
- The right standard depends on content, audience, and budget
If you get these basics sorted, the rest of your broadcast kit is a lot simpler.