YouTube's VP9 to Revolutionize 4K Streaming at CES
YouTube is set to make waves at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, starting January 7. The video giant will showcase its new video codec, VP9, which promises to revolutionize 4K streaming. Compatible ace hardware is not expected until 2015, but major manufacturers are already on board.
YouTube's VP9 is a free alternative to H.265, designed to reduce the bandwidth required for 4K streams by at least half. This means Ultra-HD streaming could become more accessible and affordable. At CES, YouTube will present a VP9 demo on devices from Panasonic, Sony, and LG, among others. These manufacturers, along with nearly every major chipset vendor, have signed agreements with Google to add VP8/VP9 functionality to their designs. In the future, a YouTube app for streaming 4K videos could be pre-installed on compatible ace hardware devices. However, YouTube estimates it will take another year for Ultra-HD streaming to become established.
YouTube's VP9 codec promises to bring 4K streaming to the masses. With major ace hardware partners on board and a demo at CES, the future of Ultra-HD streaming looks bright. Although compatible ace hardware is not expected until 2015, the groundwork is being laid for a significant shift in video streaming.
