Convert HEVC to 265
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.
About 265
This is a raw video stream encoded with the H.265/HEVC codec, using the '.265' file extension. It is functionally identical to a '.hevc' file. It contains the highly compressed video data without any audio or container information. It is used in professional workflows before the final video file is assembled.
HEVC vs 265
| Feature | HEVC | 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | false | false |
| Subtitle Support | false | false |
| DRM Support | false | false |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 5 |
| Patent Status | heavily patented | heavily patented |
| Year Introduced | 2013 | 2013 |
| Developed By | ITU-T/ISO/IEC | ITU-T/ISO/IEC |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Why do some files use .265 instead of .hevc?
It is simply an alternative file extension for the same type of raw H.265 video stream. There is no technical difference.
Is a .265 file smaller than a .264 file?
Yes, for the same source video at the same visual quality, the .265 file will be significantly smaller (often about half the size) than the .264 file, thanks to the superior compression efficiency of the H.265/HEVC codec.
Transform Your Videos with AI Subtitles & Closed Captions
Get started with 10 minutes of free transcription. No credit card required.