The H.264 Convergence: Will Video Standards Finally Take Hold?

At the Streaming Media East show on Tuesday May 20th, we have a session entitled "The H.264 Convergence" that will detail how over the past year, more and more streaming media players are utilizing H.264 and providing support for the technology.

Adobe's recent support for H.264 in their Flash player has sparked industry discussions amongst major broadcasters and online video producers about the role H.264 will play. This session will explain why H.264 is getting so much exposure, what recent announcements have put it into the spotlight, and whether it can really be the one codec that the entire industry can converge on. Attendees will also see real-world examples of sites and services that are utilizing H.264 today.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Moderator: Eric Manchester, Manager Digital Media Distribution, Time Warner Cable
• Kevin Towes, Product Manager, Flash Media Server, Adobe
• Matt Smith, Video Architect, Yahoo!
• Tim Napoleon, Chief Strategist, Media and Entertainment, Akamai
• Greg Smith, CTO, Move Networks

Have a topic or question for any of the speakers you want to see addressed? Submit it in the comments section and we'll add it to the Q&A portion of the session.

Registration is still open and you can see all the various pricing packages, including a one-day ticket on our website. Six years since we took over the StreamingMedia.com business and we've still managed to keep the conference very affordable for everyone to attend. A full two-day conference ticket is only $895.

Comments

[JT]

"and whether it can really be the one codec that the entire industry can converge on."

What a tragedy that would be. Do we really need or want the entire world of video to be ruled under a patent pooling conglomeration?

[EM]

JT can I convert your comment to the following questions:
Is there a risk in using H.264 based on it's existing licensing structure? Are there alternatives that can support both the broadcast and web broadcast industries that do not carry the same risks?
Or
Are there alternative codecs out there that can be used instead of H.264? Are broadcast systems nimble enough to support a multiple codec infrastructure?

[JT]

EM, what if I just didn't like or agree with the MPEGLA licensing structure but that was the only choice I had? That would kind of suck.

[BJames]

The problem is that H.264 is not the end-all-be-all of codecs and it has a lot of disadvantages to the other codecs in the marketplace. For example, it is certainly NOT constricted and low-bandwidth friendly. In addition, the licensing agreements are extremely inflexible, which creates a barrier to entry and therefore a real stunt in the growth of the technology's (video) uses.

For example, why would you want to limit the only coffee you drink to Starbucks when that is not always what you want or what you can afford? Aren't we taking a step backwards in supporting the growth and prevalence of video consumption when you limit it's method, form and delivery cost??? Coffee awareness grew because of Starbucks, but consumption grew because of Starbucks AND the multitudes of other coffeehouse brands and products that were in the marketplace. This happened because customer's needs could be met across the industry.

Why would any member of a growth industry limit a key element of that technology to just one provider (!!!not to mention having to wait until that single provider "gets around" to improving the technology!!!). Continuing my example, if they were the only provider of coffee, what would motivate Starbucks to ever improve their product or service? Do we really want that effect on video compression technology at the real infancy of its development???

There is a strong need for different codecs for different mediums and methods of delivery to consumers. Anyone saying otherwise really must be operating with their own personal agenda given the realities of the marketplace and the technological facts regarding H.264.

[JT]

BJames, there is a personal agenda. That's what this conference will be about. The industry has decided on a standard. Nobody wants to be the one company that doesn't use H.264. They are afraid, so, if they all stick together and just pass on the cost to the end user and everything will be fine. I agree with you. What if the only choice I had to buy a car was a Ford? The same goes for shoes or food or anything else we purchase daily. I guess the video industry is different. They just want a simple solution and to get it over with. I'll bet you that if I could offer a high quality codec with no patent issues and no royalty payments that anyone of the Reps in this conference would still be afraid to stray away from H.264. Don't you agree, Eric?
Giving too much power to any one entity is dangerous IMO. H.264 is a short term solution with a bad ending.