| | Cons | |----------|----------| | Up to 40-50% bitrate savings for the same perceptual quality | Requires a decoder capable of merging companion data (not yet universal) | | Single base file works everywhere; companion is optional | Increased encoding complexity (2x-3x longer than standard HEVC) | | Perfect for AI-assisted playback on modern GPUs | Companion data is codec-specific (no fallback to H.264) | | Reduces storage and CDN costs | Not yet supported by major browsers or smart TVs |