H.264 and H.265: pros and cons for video surveillance

H.264 and H.265: Advantages and Disadvantages for Video Surveillance Systems

You may have come across terms like H.264, H.264+, H.265, H.265+, and even H.266. In this article, we’ll explain what H.264 and H.265 are and dive into their use in video surveillance systems, particularly for Xeoma users. We’ll cover key aspects—from storage and video quality to compatibility and hardware load—and provide recommendations for choosing the optimal codec.

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What are H.264 and H.265?

H.264 (AVC) is a video compression standard developed in 2003. It became a cornerstone for video surveillance due to its efficient compression of HD video (1080p) and broad hardware support.

H.265 (HEVC) is a more modern codec introduced in 2013. Designed for high-resolution video (4K, 8K), it offers up to 50% better compression than H.264 while maintaining quality.

Great news: Xeoma supports these codecs, along with many other video streams, which can be flexibly configured for your needs.

Which is better for video surveillance?

To determine which codec is best for your Xeoma system, let’s compare their key characteristics:

Characteristic	H.264 (AVC)	H.265 (HEVC)
Encoding	Encodes video in blocks up to 16×16 pixels	Encodes video areas with block sizes from 4×4 to 64×64 pixels
Compression efficiency	Good for HD, Full HD	25–50% better, ideal for 4K/8K
Archive size	Larger for the same quality (e.g., 1.3 TB/month for Full HD at 4 Mbps)	Smaller (e.g., 0.65 TB/month at 2 Mbps)
Bandwidth	Higher, more network load	Lower, less traffic during transmission
Processor load	Lower, fewer resources required	Higher, requires powerful hardware
Bitrate	Higher for the same image quality	Up to 50% lower for the same quality
Compatibility	Supported by most devices	Limited on older systems*

*For example, H.265 IP cameras won’t work with an H.264 DVR, as it cannot process H.265 compressed files. However, an H.264 IP camera will work with an H.265 DVR.

How do H.264 and H.265 affect video surveillance?

In short, H.265 provides sharper images with fewer artifacts (e.g., “blockiness” in dynamic scenes) at a lower bitrate, which is crucial for fast-moving or high-resolution video. Let’s break down their impact on key aspects of video surveillance systems:

Archive storage

In video surveillance, continuous recording makes storage size critical:

– H.264: Generates larger files. For example, Full HD recording at 4 Mbps takes about 1.3 TB per month.
– H.265: Reduces data volume by 25–50%. The same recording at 2 Mbps takes about 0.65 TB per month.

For Xeoma users, this means lower storage costs, especially with 4K cameras.

Bandwidth

When viewing remotely over the internet, network load matters:

– H.264: Requires more bandwidth, which can be an issue with weak connections.
– H.265: Reduces bitrate, saving bandwidth. This is ideal for Xeoma when viewing multiple cameras via the mobile app.

Processor load

– H.264: Less demanding on hardware, suitable for systems with limited resources.
– H.265: Requires more processing power, especially for 4K video encoding. In Xeoma, you can reduce CPU load by optimizing settings.

Compatibility

– H.264: Supported by most cameras, DVRs, and NVRs. It’s the standard for older systems.
– H.265: Works only with modern devices. Older hardware may struggle with playback.

Video quality

– H.264: Good quality for HD, but loses detail in 4K at low bitrates.
– H.265: Offers better quality at lower bitrates, crucial for tasks like face or license plate recognition in Xeoma.

How to Choose a Codec? Checklist for Xeoma Users

Codec Selection
- Camera Type
  - HD/SD (up to 1080p) → H.264
  - 4K/8K → H.265
- Equipment
  - Old server or weak processor → H.264
  - Powerful modern server → H.265
- Priorities
  - Maximum compatibility → H.264
  - Saving space and traffic → H.265
- Network
  - Local network without restrictions → H.264
  - Limited bandwidth → H.265

Advantages of Xeoma with H.264 and H.265

Xeoma supports both codecs and offers tools for their efficient use:

– Dual streaming: Use H.265 for archiving and H.264 for viewing.
– RTSP streaming: Configure streaming with the optimal codec for remote access.
– CPU load reduction: Optimize H.265 performance on low-power hardware.

These features make Xeoma a versatile solution for any video surveillance task.

Conclusion: Which to choose for Xeoma?

H.264 is ideal for older systems, while H.265 suits modern, storage-efficient setups.

– Choose H.264 if:
– You need maximum compatibility.
– You have limited processing resources.
– Choose H.265 if:
– You want to save bandwidth or storage (e.g., for 4K streaming).
– You use modern hardware.

H.265 is the future of video compression with superior efficiency, but H.264 remains relevant due to its compatibility. The choice depends on your needs: video resolution, available hardware, and budget. Xeoma, a leading video surveillance software, leads in versatility, adaptability, and flexible settings.

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FAQ: H.264 vs. H.265 in Video Surveillance Systems

More detailed answers are available in the FAQ section.

1. What’s the difference between H.264 and H.264+, and between H.265 and H.265+?

H.264 (AVC, 2003) and H.265 (HEVC, 2013) are international video compression standards. H.264 is effective for HD, while H.265 compresses 25–50% better, ideal for 4K/8K. H.264+ and H.265+ are proprietary versions from manufacturers (e.g., Hikvision, Dahua), optimized for surveillance with improved compression and lower bitrates. They are less universal but fully supported in Xeoma.

2. Which codec is better for saving disk space?

H.265 and H.265+ are better for saving space, offering 25–50% more efficient compression than H.264. This is especially relevant for high-resolution video (e.g., 4K) with large data volumes. Use dual streaming in Xeoma for optimization.

3. Which codec provides better quality at low bitrates?

H.265 and H.265+ outperform H.264 and H.264+, retaining more details at lower bitrates. This is critical for complex video analytics tasks, such as face, emotion, or license plate recognition.

4. Which codec is less demanding on the processor?

H.264 and H.264+ are less resource-intensive due to simpler algorithms and widespread hardware acceleration support. H.265 and H.265+ are more demanding, especially for high-resolution video.

5. Which codec is better for systems with many cameras?

For systems with multiple cameras (10 or more), H.265 or H.265+ is preferable. They reduce bitrate and network load, enabling efficient management of multiple video streams.

6. Which codec is better for remote viewing?

H.265 or H.265+ is better for remote viewing, as they reduce data transmission, which is crucial with limited network bandwidth.

7. Is H.264 suitable for older systems?

Yes, H.264 is the best choice for legacy devices due to its universality and low requirements.

8. Can H.264+ and H.265+ work with any software?

Not always. H.264+ and H.265+ are proprietary technologies, and their support depends on hardware compatibility. H.264 and H.265 are more universal.

July 25, 2025