Recent changes in video codec support are causing a stir in the tech world. Major manufacturers are disabling codec hardware, leading to complications for users. This shift comes as licensing costs for the international video compression standard are set to rise in January. Access Advance announced in July that fees for HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) will increase for large sales. Currently, the rate for over 100,000 units is climbing from $0.20 to $0.24 each in the U.S.
To illustrate the impact, consider that in Q3 2025, HP sold over 15 million laptops and desktops, while Dell moved around 10 million units, according to Gartner.
Last year, Synology, a company known for NAS (Network Attached Storage), announced it would cease support for HEVC, H.264/AVC, and VCI in its DiskStation Manager. Their reasoning? Codec support is already standard on most devices — think smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. They argue that this shift minimizes unnecessary server resource use and enhances media processing efficiency, especially in high-demand environments.
However, the timing of these changes is problematic. Users might find themselves lost amid a sea of outdated features that were once commonplace. One user on Reddit expressed frustration, stating, “This is pretty ridiculous, given these systems cost over $800 and are marketed as professional equipment. More applications are starting to adopt HEVC outside of just streaming platforms.”
According to a study by the Streaming Research Institute, more than 60% of viewers are now using 4K streaming services, which heavily rely on HEVC for efficient compression. As users expand their media consumption beyond traditional sources, the relevance of HEVC only grows.
Experts predict that as the industry moves forward, codec transitions like these may lead to more frustration among consumers who expect seamless experiences. The balance between cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features remains a critical challenge for manufacturers in this ever-evolving landscape.




















