Encoding Profiles: 1080p
The 1080p tier remains the workhorse of general delivery. It balances file size, decoding load and visual fidelity well enough that most audiences never need a higher rung. This page collects anchor configurations that a planner can adopt and then tune.
Choosing a codec for HD
H.264 High profile is the safe default, because it plays on effectively every device manufactured in the last decade. HEVC Main is the efficiency upgrade where the device population supports it, delivering the same perceived quality at a lower rate. AV1 is viable when the player surface is controlled.
Anchor settings
| Parameter | Anchor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codec | H.264 High | Compatibility first |
| Quality dial | CRF 21 | Float rate, perceptual anchor |
| Preset | medium | Balance of speed and efficiency |
| Pixel format | 4:2:0 8-bit | Distribution default |
| Keyframe interval | 48 frames | Two-second seekability |
| Parameter | Anchor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codec | HEVC Main | Lower rate at equal quality |
| Quality dial | Dial 23 (HEVC scale) | Independent scale, re-measure |
| Preset | slow | Offline tolerance for time |
| Pixel format | 4:2:0 8-bit | Ten-bit optional on gradients |
| Keyframe interval | 60 frames | Slightly longer GOP |
Common mistakes
- Copying a quality dial between codecs without re-measuring.
- Building a GOP long enough to hurt seeking responsiveness.
- Ignoring that interlaced or telecined sources need a deinterlace decision before encoding.
- Assuming a static preset is optimal for every source; animation and live action differ.
Every anchor value on this page is a starting point derived from typical material. Validate against your own clip set using the method on the measurement page.
For the high-resolution counterpart, see the 4K profile.