AV1 video playback is officially live at SLR, delivering improved quality and efficiency.
The first SLR Originals AV1 scene is now live and ready to stream:
SLR support for the AV1 codec means more efficient streaming and lower memory costs. Our video library is currently being converted to AV1 - this means better quality, with around 30% lower bitrate than HEVC. We are also converting the entire library to 120FPS and preparing for the next generation of 16K VR porn.
We've discovered the perfect combination for production and post-production. All the new SLR Originals scenes are coming in at incredible quality.
What Does AV1 Mean For VR Porn?
SLR Originals are now mastered in AV1 for the best possible image quality and performance. h265 will be available as well. Our latest production techniques are delivering insanely high-quality SLR Originals scenes - better than ever before. As well as this vastly improved efficiency, it is open source with a royalty-free algorithm, making it free-to-use for everyone, worldwide.
The AV1 codec works great with the Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. Also works well with PCVR using an Nvidia 30xx graphics card.
The new AV1 codec does not work on the Vision Pro. The upcoming AVP 2.0 is expected to fully support it.
How Do I Access AV1?
You don't need to do anything! If you have a suitable VR headset, we have a background mechanic that automatically applies the AV1 codec - we strongly recommend choosing the AV1 option when viewing VR content at SLR.
If your headset does not support AV1, it will automatically select the HEVC code. The option to download AV1 codec videos is coming soon.
AV1 Trailer Samples
Want to see for yourself? Download these AV1 sample videos:
Remastering SLR Originals
SLR is planning to remaster select SLR Originals scenes with AV1 rendering, improved color grading, better stitching, and enhanced keying for PT scenes. We'll also tackle the blue edge lens artifact, either by blurring it or neutralizing the color. You can suggest SLR Originals scenes to remaster at the SLR forum.
How Long Does It Take To Remaster?
Each remaster takes about two weeks (one for manual work/rendering, one for transcoding).
Currently, encoding AV1 video with a CPU takes five times longer than it does to encode h265 video. (This is when using libaom (libaom-av1), which is the reference encoder for the AV1 format.) This does not affect you, the user.
Compare AV1 With HEVC
We've converted some Canon CRAWs into AV1 and HEVC so you can compare.
Stream this short AV1 video (transcoded AV1 VBR) from SLR Labs:
Then compare with the HEVC version (transcoded HEVC VBR):
Playing AV1 video with PCVR
To play AV1 videos using PCVR, you'll need to install the AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft app store. It's completely free and this will enable AV1 video playback support for the DeoVR Steam app. Windows 10 and above. Works on Nvidia 30xx graphics cards and above.
Any comments or suggestions? We'd love to know your thoughts at the new video standards post on the SLR forum.