HP and Dell Remove HEVC Support on Select Laptops
Tech giants HP and Dell have disabled hardware support for the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC, also known as H.265) on a subset of their laptops. The move, first reported by Ars Technica, could affect consumers who rely on HEVC-encoded video playback, editing, or streaming on affected devices. HEVC is valued for its ability to compress high-resolution video into smaller files with little loss of quality, which is especially important for 4K and 8K content.
What is HEVC and why does this matter?
HEVC is a video compression standard designed to significantly reduce file sizes compared with older formats like H.264. For everyday users, HEVC enables smoother playback of high‑resolution videos, faster uploads and downloads, and lower storage requirements. For creators and editors, HEVC can speed up workflows when working with 4K video.
Details of the change
According to Ars Technica, several HP and Dell models have had hardware decoding or encoding for HEVC disabled via firmware or driver updates. The exact models affected vary by region and product line, but the central idea is that some devices will no longer offer built‑in HEVC acceleration. This does not mean the codecs vanish entirely; software decoding remains possible, especially via media players and editing suites that use CPU processing or alternative software decoders.
How this impacts everyday users
- Video playback: Users with HEVC video files may notice increased CPU usage and potential battery drain when software decoding is required. 4K HEVC files could play more slowly on laptops without hardware support.
- Content creation and editing: Editors who rely on hardware-accelerated HEVC encoding/decoding may need to adjust workflows, considering CPU-based encoding or alternative codecs.
- Streaming and downloads: Some streaming workflows or downloaded content optimized for HEVC may be less efficient on affected devices, depending on the player and platform.
Why are manufacturers making this change?
While HP and Dell have not publicly detailed every reason, licensing costs, patent considerations, and ongoing security and firmware management are common drivers for decisions that limit certain codecs on consumer devices. By removing hardware support, manufacturers can reduce the need for specialized licensing in some regions and simplify driver maintenance.
What can affected users do?
Fortunately, there are several practical steps for users who want to maintain smooth HEVC playback and editing capabilities:
- Use software decoding: Video players like VLC or MPV can handle HEVC via software decoding. While this may increase CPU load, modern laptops with capable CPUs can manage most HEVC content without hardware acceleration.
- Install HEVC software codecs: Some platforms offer HEVC extensions or codecs that enable software decoding without hardware acceleration. Note that some options may carry licensing fees or require the user to install from official app stores.
- Consider alternative codecs: If your workflow permits, convert or re-encode footage to a more widely supported codec like AVC (H.264) or AV1 for broader compatibility. This can be done during import or in post-processing before distribution.
- Check for firmware updates: In some cases, manufacturers may reintroduce or disable features via firmware revisions. Regularly checking HP or Dell support pages for your specific model can help you stay informed about codec support and potential fixes.
Impact on the market and future prospects
The reduced HEVC support mirrors a broader trend where device makers reassess codecs and licensing as streaming quality demands rise. As AV1 gains traction as an open, royalty‑free alternative, some users and creators may pivot toward AV1-enabled hardware and software. For now, users impacted by this change should evaluate their playback and editing needs, testing different players and workflows to minimize disruption.
Bottom line
HP and Dell’s decision to disable HEVC hardware support on certain laptops may raise concerns for users who rely on efficient high‑resolution video workflows. While not a catastrophe, it does warrant a quick assessment of your devices and software. By embracing software decoding, considering codec alternatives, and staying up to date with firmware, most users can adapt without losing access to their HEVC‑based content.
