H.265/HEVC Main 10 Codec with 10-bit Color Depth Support powered by NVIDIA GPUs -- Codecs for IC Capture 2.5 Software
NVIDIA hardware specific codecs utilize video encoding capabilities available with video adapters. A detailed support matrix, which specifies capabilities available with specific models, is available at NVIDIA website.
H.265/HEVC DirectShow Video Encoder powered by NVIDIA GPUs is utilizing support for HEVC Main 10 profile, implemented in the hardware. See specifically "HEVC 10-bit support" column in the matrix link above.
HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, is a video compression standard that significantly improves encoding efficiency compared to its predecessor, H.264/AVC. The Main 10 profile in HEVC specifically supports 10-bit color depth, which means that each color channel (red, green, and blue) can represent up to 1,024 shades per channel instead of the 256 shades available in standard 8-bit color. This profile is particularly important for professional video production, broadcasting, and streaming services that aim to provide higher-quality visuals. Many modern TVs, monitors, and streaming platforms support 10-bit HEVC, enhancing the viewing experience with more natural and lifelike colors.
Known Problems and Limitations
- NVIDIA video adapter is assumed to be the first video adapter in the system
- The codec is compatible with the NVIDIA driver applied by Windows 11 automatically (version 457.51 at the time of writing), however it is recommended to install the latest from NVIDIA website; one way to do this is NVIDIA App with the function of driver update
Questions and Answers
Q: HEVC AVI files are recognized by some software, but not my favorite application, is there any solution for this?
A: IC Capture 2.5 creates AVI files, and hence AVI is the output. AVI is an older container format that isn't commonly used with HEVC, as it lacks support for modern compression features. While HEVC is practical for high-quality video with reduced file sizes, using AVI as a container for HEVC isn't ideal due to compatibility issues with media players and devices.
However, to address this problem this codec creates additional MP4 file with the same content as AVI. When you configure IC Capture 2.5 to record video into an AVI file, after recording session you will find additional MP4 file with the same name, same content in the target directory. You can use it right away instead of the AVI recording.
Q: Is it possible to use the codec with 32-bit version of IC Capture 2.5?
A: No, we do not provide the 32-bit version of the codec. IC Capture 2.5 software is provided in two variants in the same installer. Please use 64-bit (x64) build of the application at all times.
Q: Is it possible to use the codec with IC Measure software, or with IC Capture 4?
A: No, not yet. The Imaging Source removed support for AVI recording, for DirectShow recording and reduced extensibility surface. We currently have no plans to extend their MP4 recording capabilities. However note that with AVI recording in IC Capture 2.5 you immediately get both AVI and MP4 files with the same content, so you can MP4 version right away with the applications that require this format.
Q: Is it possible to change frame rate (speed) of the created MP4 recording?
A: For some applications the maximal supported capture rate of specific camera might be insufficient, and a solution to this might be slowed down recording. The resulting media file is, hence, recorded at slowed down speed as well. There might be multiple ways to address the restoration of the originally intended speed.
On way is to use available tools like FFmpeg to re-package the video (without re-compression, or with if you want): please refer to the documentation of such tooling.
The codec also provides a convenience helper to update frame rate of already created MP4 recording. To find the helper, start IC Capture 2.5 application and go to codec configuration UI. The property sheet contains a "Frame Rate Helper" page, which lets you specify a MP4 file and desired frame rate. The helper will then create a new MP4 file with the same content, but with the specified frame rate.
Q: Can I use the codec in another application, or a custom built application, even based on The Imaging Source's SDK?
A: No, even though the codec has generic DirectShow interface and is theoretically widely compatible with various software, the codec is designed to work exclusively in the IC Capture 2.5 application. Use of the codec outside of IC Capture software requires custom integration work.