- The successor to H.264, High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC/H.265) delivers quality video equivalent to H.264/AVC with up to 50% bitrate savings. For example, videos encoded in the DivX HEVC profile within Converter will maintain the high-quality of the DivX Plus profile, but at a smaller file size. HEVC is critical for streaming high-quality video even in congested network.
- Here you can Downloadget.videolan.org/vlc/2.0.5/win32/vlc-2.0.2-win32.exe.
But this H.265 codec Windows 10 package costs $0.99. To be frankly, the same as the case that Windows 10 users need to buy Windows DVD Player with $14.99 for playing DVDs on Windows 10, few people feel it worthwhile to pay for a once-free feature. Is there any way for HEVC codec Windows 10 free download?
What is HEVC?
High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) – also known as H.265 – is a video compression standard that allows GoPro to capture large video content, such as 4K60 and 1080p240, at roughly half the file size with equivalent image quality. Adoption for this new standard is increasing, and is natively supported on Android 5.0+ and iOS 11 and 12 on newer phones and tablets with more powerful processors. Moreover, HEVC is natively supported on Windows 10 and MacOS High Sierra on newer desktop computers with more powerful processors.Your cameras HEVC modes can be found below. If you do not have an HEVC-compatible computer or smart device, all resolution/frame rate combinations not listed below use the familiar H.264 codec (as found on HERO5 and earlier cameras).
What Video Settings Utilize HEVC?
HERO9 Black uses HEVC for the following video modes:
| Video Resolution | Frame Rate (NTSC) | Frame Rate (PAL) |
|---|---|---|
| 5K | 30, 24pfs | 25fps |
| 4K | 60, 24 fps | 50 fps |
| 4K (4:3) | 30, 24 fps | 25 fps |
| 2.7K | 120 fps | 100 fps |
| 2.7K (4:3) | 60 fps | 50 fps |
| 1080p | 240, 30, 24 fps | 200, 25 fps |
MAX uses HEVC for the following video modes:
| Video Resolution | Frame Rate (NTSC) | Frame Rate (PAL) |
|---|---|---|
| 5K Spherical | 30, 24pfs | 25fps |
| 3.6k Spherical | 60, 30, 24 fps | 50 fps |
| 1440p | 60, 30, 24 fps | 50, 25 fps |
| 1080p | 60, 30, 24 fps | 50, 25 fps |
HERO7 Black and HERO8 Black use HEVC for the following video modes:
| Video Resolution | Frame Rate (NTSC) | Frame Rate (PAL) |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | 60 fps | 50 fps |
| 4K (4:3) | 30, 24 fps | 25 fps |
| 2.7K | 120 fps | 100 fps |
| 2.7K (4:3) | 60 fps | 50 fps |
| 1440p | 120 fps | 100 fps |
| 1080p | 240 fps | 200 fps |
| 960p | 240 fps | 200 fps |
MAX uses HEVC for the following video modes:
| Mode | Resolution |
|---|---|
| 360 Video | All Resolutions |
| Timewarp | All Resolutions |
| TL Video | 5.6K 30/25/24 fps |
| HERO Mode | 1440-60/30/24 fps 1080-60/30/24 fps Note* - HEVC or H.264 are available in both resolutions. |
With HERO7 & HERO8 Black, you also have the option of recording the following settings using either HEVC or H.264 codecs.
| Video Resolution | Frame Rate (NTSC) | Frame Rate (PAL) |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | 30, 24 fps | 25, 24 fps |
| 2.7K | 60, 30, 24 fps | 50, 25, 24 fps |
| 2.7K (4:3) | 30, 24 fps | 25, 24 fps |
| 1440p | 60, 30, 24 fps | 50, 25, 24 fps |
| 1080p | 120, 60, 30, 24 fps | 100, 50, 25, 24 fps |
| 960p | 120 fps | 100 fps |
| 720p | 240, 60 fps | 200, 50 fps |
HERO6 Black uses HEVC for the following video modes:
| Video Resolution | Frame Rate (NTSC) | Frame Rate (PAL) |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | 60 fps | 50 fps |
| 4K (4:3) | 30, 24 fps | 25, 24 fps |
| 2.7K | 120 fps | 100 fps |
| 2.7K (4:3) | 60 fps | 50 fps |
| 1080p | 240 fps | 200 fps |
When utilizing an HEVC video setting, a warning message will appear on the camera giving you a heads up that your phone or computer need to be HEVC compatible for playback and editing. We display warnings on the GoPro app and the Quik for desktop app as well.
Is My Mobile Device Compatible with HEVC?
AndroidHEVC is supported on Android 5.0+ devices using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 series (or equivalent) processors and newer. Here are some of the leading Android phones supporting HEVC:
| Manufacturer | Model |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Galaxy® S7 / S7 Plus and newer |
| Galaxy Note 8 and newer | |
| Pixel / Pixel XL and newer | |
| Huawei | Huawei P9 and newer |
| Xiaomi | Xiaomi Mi 5 and newer |
| LG | LG G5 and newer |
| HTC | HTC U10 and newer |
| Sony | Sony Xperia® X and newer |
| Motorola | Moto Z® and newer |
| OnePlus | OnePlus® 3 and newer |
iOS
HEVC is supported on iOS 11 devices using the Apple A10 processor and newer:
| Device | Model |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone 6 (select bitrates only) |
| iPhone 7 and 7 Plus | |
| iPhone 8 and 8 Plus | |
| iPhone X, Xs, Xs Max | |
| iPad | 10.5-inch iPad Pro |
| 12.9-inch iPad Pro |
What are the limitations with HEVC on mobile?
| Limitation | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Preview While Recording via the GoPro App Even if your mobile device supports HEVC, you will not be able to preview your footage while recording in the GoPro app. You can preview the scene beforehand, but as soon as you start recording, the live view becomes unavailable. | All Devices | |
| Media Playback on Camera via the GoPro App Even if your mobile device supports HEVC, you will not be able to play back HEVC footage on your SD card via the GoPro app. You will need to copy that media to your mobile device to view it. | All Devices | |
| 4K (4:3) Video Play Back No version of Android or iOS supports 4K 4:3 playback. In Android, the GoPro app will copy 4K 4:3 to your mobile device, but you won’t be able to playback those files. In iOS, QuikStories will convert 4K 4:3 to a lower resolution for playback. Otherwise, the GoPro app will prevent you from manually copying 4K 4:3 to your mobile device. | All Devices | |
| Media Playback on Unsupported Operating Systems If your device isn’t running Android 5.0 / iOS 11 or newer, you will not be able to play back HEVC files. For manual offloads through the GoPro app or Quik Key, we block the transfer and display an error message. | Applicable to devices running iOS 10.3.3 and earlier | Applicable to devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat) and earlier |
| Media Playback with Supported Operating Systems, on Older Devices While Android 5.0 and iOS 11 natively support HEVC, your phone must be using a newer processor to playback those files smoothly. The GoPro app will still copy HEVC files to these mobile devices, but beware that those files may struggle to play back. In general, mobile devices manufactured before 2016 will not handle HEVC files very well. Please see a partial list of supported devices above. | Applicable to devices manufactured before 2016 | |
| QuikStories converts HEVC to lower bitrate On iOS 11, the QuikStories feature will copy HEVC files from your camera and convert them to a lower bitrate before sending footage to the Quik app. | Applicable to devices running iOS 11 only | N/A |
Is my Computer Compatible with HEVC?
Windows
MacOS
HEVC is supported on macOS High Sierra computers using the A10 processor and newermacOS High Sierra computers supporting HEVC
- Macbook® – 2016 or newer
- Macbook Pro – 2016 or newer
- iMac – 2017 and newer
- iMac Pro – 2017 or newer
- 27-inch 5K iMac (2015-2017)
What are the limitations with HEVC on a computer?
Playing Media on Unsupported Operating Systems
What Is Hvc1 Format
If your computer isn’t running Windows 10 / macOS High Sierra or newer, you will not be able to play HEVC files. Quik for desktop will still copy HEVC files to your computer, but they won’t appear in the Quik for desktop Media gallery. Also, third-party apps won’t be able to play HEVC files.
Playing Media on Supported Operating Systems, but Older Computers
While Windows 10 / macOS High Sierra supports HEVC, your computer must use a newer processor to play those files smoothly. Quik for desktop will still copy HEVC files to your computer, but those files may struggle to play back. In general, computers manufactured before 2016 may not handle HEVC files well. See the partial list of supported computers/processors above.
What if I Recorded in an HEVC Setting and Don't Have a Compatible Device?
In the event that you've recorded HEVC video footage and do not have a compatible device to play your recordings, there are a couple of options:
- Convert Your HEVC Videos to the H.264 Codec - Using Handbrake, a free, open source application, you can covert your HEVC videos to H.264 (compatible across all devices) with minimal loss in image quality. Please reference How to Convert GoPro HEVC Videos to H.264 Using HandBrake, for step-by-step instructions.
- Video/File Hosting via Web - Upload your video to YouTube or another video/file hosting service. Once uploaded, you should be able to play your footage on any device compatible with the website, as you'll be able to utilize their compression. *NOTE: Being as you will be using a webservice to play back your videos, there may be a decrease in image quality simply due to web compression or your connection speed.
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HEVC (aka H.265) has earned its reputation since 2014 when Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft announced HEVC support for their products in succession. From then on, the video codec is applied to a wide range of fields, incl. operation system (Windows 10, macOS High Sierra or later, iOS 11 or later ), online video (YouTube 4K/8K), graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD), media software (VLC v2.2.0, HandBrake v1.1.0), and so on.
In this article, we will focus on HEVC/H.265 codec, explaining what is HEVC codec, how to free download HEVC codec for 4K/8K video playback, together with errors and FAQs about HEVC playback that users concern most.
Hvc1 Codec Mac
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: What is HEVC codec?
- Part 2: Top 3 free HEVC codec packs
- Part 3: How to download HEVC codec extensions on Windows 10?
- Part 4: HEVC won't play even with codec/extension installed. How to fix?
- Part 5: FAQ about HEVC codec
Looking for the Best Solution to Play 4K/8K Videos Encoded with HEVC/H.265?
Try WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe - Transcode HEVC to fix incompatible problem on PC/Mac or devices. It can easily and efficiently convert 4K/8K videos encoded with HEVC/H.265 to 1080P HD in formats MP4, H.264, AVI, MOV etc, for smooth playback on incompatible PCs/Macs, TVs and portable devices.
Part 1: What Is HEVC/H.265 Codec?
Before making clear about HEVC (H.265) codec, we should have a brief knowledge about HEVC.
HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding)[1], a video compression standard, is developed to have a higher coding efficiency and improved video quality, by taking advantages of core techs such as motion compensation, entropy coding, intra/inter codings, coding tree unit, and more. With double data compression ratio, HEVC only requires half bitrate to keep the same video quality compared to H.264/MPEG-4 AVC. In other words, HEVC delivers better video quality at the same bitrate. Target at next-generation HDTV display and content capture systems, it can support 4K and 8K UHD resolution. >> What you may be insterested in: H.265 vs H.264, H.265 vs H.266
HEVC codec is the software to compress or decompress HEVC video. It can be an encoder for compression only or decoder for decompression only. With H.265 codec, people can create a 4K/8K video or convert HEVC videos to a more compatible format for flawlessly playing on computers or devices. But how to download HEVC codec for Windows Media player or other video player software to ensure proper playback?
Part 2: Top 3 Free HEVC Codec Packs to Download
Beginners may search HEVC codec on Google or software download sites for having a direct download link. But the random results are quite confused. So, we list the following reliable HEVC (H.265) codecs for you to download.
• x265
x265 is an open-source HEVC encoder application library that help users encode video/images into an HEVC bitstream. It's available under either GNU GPL 2 license or a commercial license. This codec aims to provide the best HEVC/H.265 encoder and deliver the highest encoding speed and visual quality. It has been adopted by many open-source software, incl. FFMPEG, Handbrake, etc. The latest version is v3.3 at 12.5mb in size, you can download x265 v3.3 here >>
• DivX 10.8.8
DivX is one of the most popular video codecs with implementation of several mainstream video and audio standards, including DivX, MKV, HEVC/H.265 up to 4K, H.264, MPE4, AVI, MPEG-2, AAC, AC3, DLNA, DTS-HD, etc. The most recent version of DivX codec itself is v10.8.8. It is built in DivX HEVC Ultra HD codec, meant to help users create and play HEVC videos up to 4K UHD. You can download the DivX codec here.
Download DivX codec on Windows >>
Download DivX codec on Mac >>
• K-Lite Mega Codec Pack
K-Lite Codec Pack[3] is a collection of video and audio codecs with DirectShow filters and VFW codecs built into its system. It enables software and operating system to play many popular video and audio formats. Since the version 10.10, the K-Lite Codec Pack Mega added support for decoding HEVC. So if with the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack installed on your Windows, you can play HEVC video on Windows 10/8/7/XP (64 & 32 bit) without trouble. Download the latest codec pack for HEVC playing here >>
Except the above 3 HEVC codec packs, you can also download Windows 10 Codec Pack or Media Player Codec Pack Plus to have a try. They also support a wealth of compression and file types used by modern video and audio files, from x265 to H.265/HEVC, 10bit x264, H.264, AVCHD, DivX, XviD, MP4, MPEG2, etc.
Part 3: How to Download Official HEVC Video Extensions on Windows 10 for Viewing
Codec packs make video playing easier by installing a number of different codecs at once. But they are likely to pose software conflict, and are full of adware or spyware. That's exactly why Windows 10 introduces HEVC codec extensions officially.
Please note that there are some posts introducing a free HEVC codec solution for Windows 10 users by downloading HEVC video extensions from Device manufacturer. That is a total falsehood. In fact, it is currently unavailable and code is required. Microsoft chargers for its official HEVC codec at $0.99. In the following steps, you will learn how to install HEVC codec on Windows 10 for playback later.
- Go Microsoft store page, and click 'Buy' button to get the code which will be sent to your email.
- Enter the code you received, then click 'Install' button to download and install HEVC Video Extensions on your Windows 10 PC.
- Tap 'Launch' button when it done. And you're able to play 4K HEVC videos on Movies & TV app.
By the way, Microsoft authomatically install security updates for these codecs for security purpose. So make sure to enable 'Update Apps Automatically' in 'Settings'.
Part 4: Why Cannot You Play HEVC even with Codec Pack Installed? How to fix?
Frankly, installing video codec or extension doesn't guarantee 100% work. There are times you encounter HEVC playback errors. Here are the typical issues: HEVC video plays fine for the first few seconds then it becomes choppy and finally freezes. The audio is playing while you see a black screen. The computer goes overheated and the CPU utilisation during playback is around 100%. Why?
The real culprit for HEVC playback failure is the incapable hardware support. It is confirmed that HEVC playback is supported by Apple iPhone with A9 chip or later. Only when Android shipped with Snapdragon 610/Kirin 950 or better processor can users play HEVC video. As to personal computer, HEVC video stuttering error may occur if it doesn't install Nvidia GTX series/Intel i7/AMD Athlon X4 835 or higher.
The HEVC playing error will be even worse if your video is 4K UHD, as it exerts more burden on CPU. That's the whole reason you run into freezing or stuttering error while playing HEVC 4k video. How to fix the issue even when you install HEVC codec?
Solution 1: Upgrade Your Hardware
In general, mobile devices and computers manufactured after 2016 such as iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, Samsung Galaxy S7 equivalent, or better can handle HEVC codec. While for the 4K HEVC video, the decoding process will be slow or stuttering if without hardware acceleration. So a powerful hardware is required for efficient HEVC playback. Below are the minimum hardware requirement for decoding 4K HEVC.
- Intel 6th generation 'Skylake' or newer CPUs
- AMD 6th generation 'Carizzo' or newer APUs
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950, 960, or newer graphics cards
- AMD Radeon R9 Fury, R9 Fury X, R9 Nano, or newer graphics cards
Solution 2: Convert 4K HEVC to H.264
4K HEVC requires more processing power. If your hardware is not powerful enough to handle HEVC video, it's wise to downscale 4K to 1080p and convert HEVC to a more friendly format with a video converter. Below are the simple steps to convert 4K HEVC to H.264 .
- Download an HEVC converter such as WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe, click +Video button to load the HEVC video source.
- Choose MP4 H.264 as the output format by going to General Profiles --> MP4 Video (H.264).
- Check the box Hardware Acceleration to make sure the HEVC transcoding is processed based on GPU for a fast conversion.
- Click RUN button to begin the HEVC conversion.
Follow the detailed tutorial to convert HEVC to H.264 for smooth 8k/4k/hd video playback.
Part 5: FAQ about HEVC Codec
1. Does VLC Support HEVC Codec?
Yes, experimental decoding of HEVC is allowed in VLC V2.1.1 with RinceWind. And in version 3.0.0, VLC supports playing HEVC video on Windows with hardware acceleration enabled, using DxVA2 & D3D11. If you cannot play HEVC video in VLC, simply update VLC media player.
Note: VLC users sometimes complain a failure while viewing HEVC video, this is because hvc1 codec is encoded in some HEVC videos and there is no suitable decoder module. In this situation, you can convert hvc1 video to MP4 for VLC. Here is the detailed solution to fix VLC HEVC video playing error.
2. How Do I Add HEVC Codec to Premiere and Import HEVC Successfully?
Adobe Premiere Pro users might be familiar with the error message 'Codec missing or unavailable' when trying to import HEVC videos taken by GoPro, Dji, Canon, or iPhone. They were asked to install HEVC codec to use the feature. How to add HEVC codec to Premiere Pro?
For users who haven't updated to Premiere Pro 12.0.1 or newer version, just click OK button if you are informed of a message 'HEVC Codec must be installed to use this feature. Clicking OK will kick off simple installation and enable this codec for immediate use.' Then you can restart the computer to see if the HEVC is imported successfully.
For users who have the latest version and Premiere Pro is still glitchy when using videos in HEVC codec, you have to know the culprit is either Dlog-M or the variable frame rate that Adobe Premiere Pro cannot recognize. In this situation, you have to do HEVC transcoding using some video converter to solve the issue.
3. Will HEVC Be the Next Mainstream Codec? - HEVC vs VVC vs AV1
You see, more and more videos are encoded in HEVC codec or packaged into HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) format in HEVC. HEVC plays in 17.17% of all browsers, 78% for iOS devices and 57% for Android 6 years after being an international standard. On the other hand, the momentum of AV1 codec and VVC codec[4] cannot be underestimated.
AV1 plays in 32.02% of all browsers since both Google and Mozilla are AOMedia members. Meanwhile, in Nov, 2018, Microsoft released the beta AV1 Video Extension, which allows AV1 playback on Windows 10 devices. On the other hand, being the next-gen standards-based codec after HEVC, VVC codec delivers 30% bit rate reduction over HEVC at the same perpetual quality. And the BBC found HEVC (HM) and AV1 to be about the same, with VVC (JEM) substantially better than both.
To a great degree, the codec future will be dictated by AV1's royalty-free status. But at present stage, HEVC still plays a crucial part in high compression efficiency. See more: AV1 vs HEVC - Which is the Codec of the Future?
Video Tutorial: Download HEVC Codec to Play HEVC Files on Windows 10
External Source Links:
1. High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) [wiki]: also known as H.265 and MPEG-H Part 2, is a video compression standard, designed as a successor to the widely used Advanced Video Coding (AVC, H.264, or MPEG-4 Part 10).
2. Windows 10 Fall Creators Update broke HEVC support in Films/Movies & TV app.
3. K-Lite Codec Pack[wiki] is a collection of audio and video codecs for Microsoft Windows that enables an operating system and its software to play various audio and video formats generally not supported by the operating system itself. The K-Lite Codec Pack also includes several related tools, including Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC), Media Info Lite, and Codec Tweak Tool.
4. Versatile Video Coding (VVC) [wiki] is a future video compression standard being developed for finalization around mid-2020 by the Joint Video Experts Team (JVET), a united video expert team of the MPEG working group of ISO/IEC JTC 1 and the VCEG working group of ITU-T. At times, it has also been referred to as Future Video Coding (FVC) and as ITU-T H.266. It will be the successor to High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC, also known as ITU-T H.265 and MPEG-H Part 2).