AV2 is the next-generation video coding specification from the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia). Building on the foundation of AV1, AV2 is engineered to provide superior compression efficiency, enabling high-quality video delivery at significantly lower bitrates. It is optimized for the evolving demands of streaming, broadcasting, and real-time video conferencing.
This specification serves as the definitive technical reference for AV2 implementations. It outlines the bitstream syntax, semantics, and decoding processes required to ensure full conformance.
AV2 provides enhanced support for AR/VR applications, split-screen delivery of multiple programs, improved handling of screen content, and an ability to operate over a wider visual quality range.
To assist implementers, the AOMedia Video Model (AVM) serves as the official reference software.
The AV2 Bitstream & Decoding Process Specification, version 1.0.0, with corresponding AVM reference software.
An earlier development draft, superseded by v1.0.0. The "v13" label denotes a working-draft milestone and does not indicate a version newer than 1.0.0. Retained here for reference.
The complete AV2 coding specification document includes all sections from scope and definitions through annexes. It provides comprehensive coverage of the format, syntax, semantics, and decoding process.
A self-contained PDF of the complete v1.0.0 specification is available for download and offline reference.
The Additional Tables are extracted lookup tables from section 9 as C header files, useful for implementation reference.
The syntax browser provides a specialized view of Sections 5 (Syntax Structures) and 6 (Semantics) in a split-pane interface. Features include:
The reference software, known as AVM, corresponding to this version of the specification is the v1.0.0 tag.