Video codecs play an integral, yet often underappreciated, role in digital video. Since the 1980s, they have remained a crucial but sometimes overlooked element of the software stack. The most successful persist in the market for a long time, enjoying a lifespan in excess of 20, or even 30, years.
Video compression and codecs are therefore critical components that ensure the information and experiences we all desire can be delivered crisply, efficiently, and resourcefully. Commissioned by InterDigital, researched and written by Futuresource Consulting, this paper explores the landscape of video compression technology, touching upon the history of video coding standards, examining the advantages that today’s codecs present for industries and experiences powered by video, and considers the potential future of video coding technology.
