H264 download size is bigger

austinpower159

From what I understand h265 is a newer better encoding, more efficient and able to to produce smaller file than h264.

In the download section for 4k videos however, h265 is showing a bigger file size than the h264.

Did I misunderstand h264?
Given say 10% larger file size than h264 is it still better to download h265? Better picture quality?

midorijin

austinpower159 So, first of all, your title is not very indicative of what you say in the commentary, just from the title, I thought you were complaining that the stroke was too big.

To get to your point, HEVC does allow for a lower bitrate than AVC for the same quality (about a 30/40% gain), but you have to look at it the other way around, for the same (or higher, even if it's just a little bit) bitrate, the quality of HEVC video will be better than AVC.

So if your hardware is able to handle HEVC, it is better to use this codec.

justsomedude101

austinpower159 Given say 10% larger file size than h264 is it still better to download h265? Better picture quality?

When in doubt, general rule of thumb is that it is always better to go with the h265 version, assuming to midorijin's point your headset or hardware are able to manage high quality h265 files.

Usually the h264 and h265 versions of the scene will intentionally be set to around the same file size, but occasionally one or the other will be a bit larger. But again, if you're in a position to do so- go with the h265.

NiceDevi

H265 does indeed often look smoother.
Also there is a chance that the bigger H265 is a re-enconde of the much bigger original H264.
Either way bitrate is king when it comes to VR Videos - but of course for re-encodes the source has to be higher - or there wont be any gain in quality.