According to research published by InterDigital, the broadcast industry could see standardisation of a brand new codec by 2028/2029.
In its report, Media over Wireless: Networks for Ubiquitous Video, the company suggests the new codec could arrive at around the same time as 6G and WiFi 8.
The report, written by Futuresource Consulting, states that official MPEG documentation suggests Enhanced Compression Model (ECM) could be a possible baseline for the evaluation of enhanced compression tools beyond the capability of current codecs.
“Some of the ECM technologies will likely be incorporated into what may eventually become standardised as H.267,” says the report.
“Assuming the timeline is upheld, the standardisation work could describe a new codec in 2028 or 2029, around eight years after H.266/VVC was completed.”
Futuresource predicts that 6G deployment will coincide with the projected maturity of XR hardware and software ecosystems, which is also expected to take place between 2028 and 2032.
- The XR market is projected to hit 130 million 6G-enabled devices by 2037, up from near-zero today.
- By 2030, XR is expected to become the second major category (after smartphones) to integrate 6G capabilities.
- New experiences will reach the market, with immersive experiences on the go such as: city tours, live events, and public transport entertainment.
“The XR market is entering a pivotal phase, where immersive content is no longer a niche. As we get closer to 2030 and the release of the first 6G standards, XR entertainment is going to become an expectation, where we will see interactive digital sports venues to real-time augmented city guides and digital twins,” said Lionel Oisel, head of video labs, at InterDigital.
“But the success of these experiences will hinge entirely on quality of experience— whereby ultra-low latency, responsive interactivity, and consistent media synchronisation which are all essential to unlocking XR’s full potential.”
