In the world of video security, managing large amounts of footage can be expensive and complicated. High-quality video takes up a lot of storage space and streaming it over a network can strain bandwidth and infrastructure – especially with high-resolution cameras, so there is a great need for a new method of storing video which enables lower costs for all involved.
There is a new technology that’s helping to solve this problem: the AV1 video codec.
AV1 is a highly efficient way to compress and store video. It allows you to keep both live and recorded footage at a high quality while using less storage and bandwidth than the current most common compression methods H.264 and H.265 – which means lower costs and better performance for your security system. In this article, we explain how AV1 works and why it’s great news for users of VMS platforms like Milestone XProtect and the network cameras that feed them.
What is AV1?
AV1 is an open-source and royalty-free video compression technology that reduces the size of video files without sacrificing video quality or framerate. It was developed by some of the biggest names in tech, including Google, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, and it’s quickly becoming the new standard for video streaming and storage.
The key benefit of AV1, much like its predecessors, is that it allows you to keep the same video quality while cutting file sizes by up to 50%. That means you can store more footage without needing extra hard drives — and stream video more smoothly without overloading your network.
See our video on system framerates and storage for more on this.
Why AV1 matters for Video Security
If you’re using a video management system like Milestone XProtect, switching to AV1 can make a big difference in how your system performs and how much it costs to run. It:
Lowers storage costs
- Because AV1 compresses video files so efficiently, you need less storage space to keep the same amount of footage.
- This means you can either store more video without upgrading your storage or reduce your hardware costs by using fewer hard drives or cloud storage.
Reduces bandwidth usage
- AV1 makes it easier to stream high-quality video over your network without slowing it down.
- If you’re accessing your security system remotely, the video will load faster and play more smoothly, even on slower internet connections.
- For cloud-based systems, using less bandwidth also means lower data transfer costs.
Offers better performance for high-resolution cameras
- High-resolution video (like 4K) typically requires a lot of storage and bandwidth.
- AV1 allows you to capture and stream high-resolution video while using less network capacity and storage space.
- This is especially helpful for large security setups or sites with lots of cameras.
Offers more comprehensive cloud VSaaS support
- Being a codec developed by the world’s largest tech firms and with widespread support for most browsers, AV1 will be the preferred codec for cloud VSaaS platforms such as Milestone Arcules VSaaS and Morphean Cloud CCTV.
How can I get the benefits of AV1 for my security system right now?
Most network cameras and video management platforms don’t yet support the AV1 video codec, but Milestone soon will and most newer cameras from Axis Communications do. Axis has gone to great lengths with their home-grown ARTPEC9 chip to make AV1 codec processing as efficient as it can be, so coupling Axis network cameras with the Milestone XProtect or Milestone Arcules Cloud systems is the best way to operate high resolution cameras without compromise.
How AV1 works with Milestone XProtect
Milestone XProtect is a leading video management platform used by businesses and organisations worldwide to monitor and store security footage. AV1 can significantly improve how XProtect handles video in the following ways:
- Smaller file sizes – videos stored in AV1 format take up less space, meaning you can keep more footage without increasing costs.
- Smoother remote viewing – streaming video through the Milestone app or web portal will be faster and more reliable, even on slower internet connections.
- Longer retention periods – since video files are smaller, you can store footage for longer periods without running out of space.
- Smaller exports – video encoded in AV1 means your exports can contain more cameras and will result in smaller file sizes.
How AV1 works with Axis Network Cameras
Axis Communications is known for producing high-quality network cameras that work well with advanced video management systems like Milestone XProtect. Axis is beginning to add AV1 support to its product lineup, which will deliver several benefits:
- More efficient streaming – cameras using AV1 will be able to stream high-quality video using less bandwidth when streaming across the network or the internet, which means better performance even on busy networks and platforms.
- Lower storage costs – smaller file sizes mean you won’t need to expand your storage infrastructure as quickly, even with high-resolution video.
- Improved compatibility – AV1 is designed to work smoothly with existing network systems, making it easier to upgrade without needing a full system overhaul.
On-Premises vs. Cloud-Based Systems
AV1 offers benefits whether you store your video footage on-site or in the cloud:
| Aspect | On-Premises | Cloud-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Smaller files reduce the need for extra hard drives | Lower storage fees due to reduced data size |
| Bandwidth | More efficient use of local network bandwidth | Lower data transfer costs from the cloud |
| Retention | More footage stored without needing more hardware | Longer retention without increased costs |
| Performance | Smoother playback on local clients | Better quality with less buffering over internet connections |
Will AV1 replace H.264 and H.265?
It is likely that AV1 will indeed replace the current preferred codecs. However, this is likely to take some time as the adoption of AV1 has only just started. It’s wide support and zero-complexity licensing structure (as opposed to H.265’s complex and costly licensing for those incorporating it) will accelerate its adoption.
In summary
AV1 is a smart choice for video security systems. Its key benefits are significant.
- Smaller file sizes – AV1 compresses video more efficiently, further reducing file sizes by up to 50% without loss of quality, which lowers storage requirements
- Lower storage costs – with smaller video files, businesses can store more footage without needing extra hard drives or expanding cloud storage
- Reduced bandwidth usage – AV1 allows for high-quality video streaming using less network capacity, improving performance even on slower networks
- Improved remote access – AV1’s efficient compression ensures smoother playback and faster loading times when viewing footage remotely
- Higher resolution with less data – 4K and high-resolution video can be streamed and stored more efficiently
- Longer retention periods – since video files are smaller, systems can store footage for longer periods without increasing storage costs
- Better performance in low bandwidth environments – AV1 makes it possible to stream high-quality video even with limited internet speeds
- Reduced cloud storage fees – for cloud-based systems, smaller video files mean lower data transfer and storage costs
- Scalability – AV1’s efficiency allows systems to handle more cameras and higher video quality without needing major infrastructure upgrades
- Future-proof technology – AV1 is supported by leading industry players, ensuring long-term compatibility and continued improvements
The AV1 codec is another breakthrough for video security. It reduces file sizes, saves storage space, and improves streaming performance – all without sacrificing video quality. If you use Milestone XProtect or Axis cameras, AV1 can help you run a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable security system.
Upgrading to AV1 isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about building a leaner, smarter, more scalable video security solution for your business or organisation. As more devices and platforms adopt AV1, now is the perfect time to explore how it can benefit your security setup.
Contact us for more on how you can benefit from AV1 in your video security system.
