Convert 264 to HEVC
About 264
This is a raw video stream encoded with the H.264 (also known as AVC) codec, using the '.264' file extension. It is functionally identical to a '.h264' file. It contains only the compressed video data and no audio or container structure. These files are typically intermediate files used in professional video encoding and editing workflows.
About HEVC
This refers to a raw video stream encoded with the HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) codec, also known as H.265. HEVC is the successor to H.264 and offers about 50% better compression efficiency, meaning it can deliver the same quality at half the file size. This makes it ideal for 4K and 8K streaming. A raw .hevc file must be placed in a container like MP4 or MKV to be useful.
264 vs HEVC
| Feature | 264 | HEVC |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | false | false |
| Subtitle Support | false | false |
| DRM Support | false | false |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 5 |
| Patent Status | patented | heavily patented |
| Year Introduced | 2003 | 2013 |
| Developed By | ITU-T/ISO/IEC | ITU-T/ISO/IEC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some files use .264 instead of .h264?
It's simply a different file extension convention for the same type of raw H.264 video stream. There is no technical difference between them.
Do I need to keep .264 files?
For most users, no. These are typically temporary or intermediate files. The final, usable video file will be a container format like MP4 or MKV that includes the audio and is ready for playback.
Is HEVC/H.265 the future of video?
It is the current standard for high-resolution video delivery (like 4K Blu-ray and streaming). However, its adoption has been hampered by complex and expensive patent licensing. Newer royalty-free codecs like AV1 are competing to become the next universal standard.
Why do I get an error playing an HEVC file?
Playing HEVC video requires either hardware or software support for the codec. Older devices may not have the necessary hardware decoders. You may need to update your media player, install a codec pack, or use a modern player like VLC that has built-in support for HEVC.
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