H.265 (also known as High Efficiency Video Coding or HEVC), is a video compression standard that was developed as a successor to the widely used H.264 (also known as Advanced Video Coding or AVC). H.265 video compression standard was designed to provide higher compression efficiency compared to H.264, which means it can achieve the same level of video quality while using less data or bandwidth, which makes it ideal for streaming high-quality security camera videos.

HEVC achieves this improved compression efficiency by using more advanced video coding techniques than its predecessor, such as larger block sizes, improved motion estimation, and improved prediction algorithms. It also supports higher bit depths, color spaces, and a wider range of resolutions and frame rates. Simply put, H.265 can drastically improve the video quality at the same bitrates, and also improve digital zoom quality. This improvement is more noticeable when streaming higher-resolution videos (4K and above) and in scenes that see a lot of motion across the camera (such as busy intersections and hallways).

All Verkada cameras are capable of H.265 video encoding but until recently, Chrome browser did not support H.265 video decoding. Since Chrome is used by the majority of Verkada Command users, we could have enabled H.265 but were forced to use the H.264 video compression standard. However, in late 2022 Chrome announced support for H.265 video if the underlying device (PC/Mac/Mobile device etc.) had H.265 hardware decoder. With this announcement, we immediately saw an opportunity to deliver an industry-leading, browser-based security camera video playback experience to our customers and started working on enabling H.265 in all Verkada camera models.

Now Verkada cameras not only support H.265 across all models but also offer cloud transcoding. This feature ensures that users can seamlessly stream live and historical video from Verkada cameras, even if their computers or browsers do not support the latest H.265 codec. With cloud transcoding, the video is automatically transcoded to the widely supported H.264 format, allowing for smooth playback and accessibility on a variety of devices. This ensures compatibility and flexibility so that users can access their camera feeds regardless of their device's capabilities. Furthermore, users with compatible devices can fully experience the benefits of the new H.265 codec.

Cloud transcoding enables the use of H.265 on Verkada cameras, even if there are users in the organization with outdated browser versions or devices lacking support for the latest codecs. To illustrate this concept, let's consider the following scenario: On the right side, we have a Verkada camera configured with H.265, while on the left side, there is a laptop that is compatible with H.265, and a PC that is not compatible with H.265.

When the video stream is initiated from the compatible laptop, Verkada Command recognizes the compatibility between the camera and the device, and the stream maintains the H.265 video codec throughout the transmission.

However, for the other computer on the left, which lacks compatibility with H.265, the video stream is requested, and Verkada Command detects the device's inability to support H.265. In this case, the video is automatically transcoded in the cloud and delivered as an H.264 stream to the incompatible device.

A similar process occurs during local streams within the camera's local network. If a compatible device initiates a video stream, the H.265 stream is transmitted directly through the local network. On the other hand, if an incompatible device requests a live SQ video stream, it will be streamed from the camera to the device using H.264. For any other type of video requested from the incompatible device, the transcoding process takes place in the cloud, allowing playback for all streaming scenarios through Command.

H.265 can be configured in bulk or for an individual camera following these steps:

Note: Users with incompatible devices will still be able to stream from any camera with H.265 thanks to cloud transcoding; although having a compatible device, is recommended for the best experience while playing video using the H.265 codec.

CPU with HEVC support:

Operating Systems with HEVC support:

Browser support for HEVC

GPU support for HEVC:

Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.