Luisa Crawford
February 24th, 2025 16:20
Nvidia’s Video Codec SDK 13.0 introduces major upgrades with support for Blackwell GPUs, enhancing video encoding and decoding capabilities for the latest video applications.
Nvidia has announced the release of the video codec SDK 13.0, a major update that incorporates support for the latest Nvidia Blackwell GPU. This new version is designed to enhance both video encoding and decoding capabilities that address the rapidly evolving demand of the video industry.
Key Features and Extensions
SDK 13.0 brings several improvements aimed at increasing video quality and efficiency. Key features include improved compression efficiency, support for new color formats, and improved encoding quality. This update addresses both professional video production and broadcast needs.
Encoding enhancements
Nvidia has introduced several encoding features to improve video quality and reduce file size. The SDK supports YUV 4:2:2 encoding for H.264 and HEVC, enabling a wider range of use cases. Additionally, it introduces 10-bit support for H.264, providing higher concentrations of encoding to allow encoding as 10-bit.
This update brings H.264 interlaced encoding and introduces new modes for AV1, such as Lookahead level and UHQ. It is designed for latency resistant applications that require the highest video quality.
Decode enhancement
On the decode front, the SDK extends support to 4:2:2 chroma subsampling for H.264 and HEVC, enhancing the functionality of professional video workflows. In particular, the Nvidia Blackwell GPU offers twice the throughput improvements in H.264 decoding compared to the previous generation, and currently supports 8K video decoding.
Additionally, dynamic decoding surface allocation has been introduced to optimize GPU memory usage, enabling more efficient video processing.
Blackwell GPU integration
Nvidia Blackwell GPUs bring great advancements in both the encoding and decoding processes. By integrating these GPUs into the SDK, you can improve smoother video playback, decoding speed, and color depth, making them ideal for high-resolution video projects and large-scale video processing tasks.
Industry impact and recruitment
In line with the launch of the SDK, Nvidia has partnered with companies such as Blackmagic, Capcut, and Wondershare, and has already included features such as 4:2:2 encoding and decoding, AV1 UHQ, and split encoding into video pipelines. It’s integrated. This collaboration stands out for the industry’s preparation to embrace Nvidia’s latest advancements.
Nvidia Video Codec SDK 13.0 is poised to set new standards for video encoding and decoding, providing the tools you need to create content, edit video and process 8K video. Enhanced compression efficiency and support for new color formats are consistent with the growing needs of modern video applications.
Image source: ShutterStock
