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A modern CPU should be able to decode 1080p in software without breaking a sweat. I had hardware decoding disabled in Firefox until recently and the difference

A modern CPU should be able to decode 1080p in software without breaking a sweat. I had hardware decoding disabled in Firefox until recently and the difference is unnoticeable to me.

BugsJustFindMe 3y ago
hardware decoding generally improves battery life by a lot. why disable it?
- Dalewyn 3y ago
  Software decoding is generally more customizable and better quality, also better stability depending on the circumstances.
  - wtallis 3y ago
    Adjustability of codec parameters and quality are reasons to prefer software over hardware for encoding, but I've never seen any evidence or explanation for how software decoding can likewise be significantly better—unless you're referring to post-processing that can just as easily be done after hardware decoding.
  - slashink 3y ago
    Encoding yes. Decoding the image is equal, at least with h.264
  - CyberDildonics 3y ago
    You probably read this about software encoding and got them mixed up in your head.
    - Dalewyn 3y ago
      I've messed around in the anime fansubbing scene many years ago and still tinker around with codecs and filters since I care about that stuff. I don't usually use hardware decoders because there are restrictions, such as what renderers can be used or what and where filters can be placed in the decoding and rendering pipeline. Hardware decoding is great when power (be it electrical or processing) is limited, but if you really want to have all the knobs available software decoding is what you want.
- nicolaslem 3y ago
  I was hitting a bug that would randomly crash the GPU when hardware decoding VP9. I re-enabled hardware decoding after adding a Firefox extension that let me chose the codec Youtube uses. Regarding battery life, I really haven't noticed a difference on a 6800U. Both hover around a disappointing 7W.
redox99 3y ago
> A modern CPU should be able to decode 1080p in software without breaking a sweat. Not true for modern codecs such as AV1
abrouwers 3y ago
Strange, my fan (12th gen intel) spins up instantly on software, and my battery life takes a hit.

A modern CPU should be able to decode 1080p in software without breaking a sweat. I had hardware decoding disabled in Firefox until recently and the difference is unnoticeable to me.

BugsJustFindMe 3y ago

hardware decoding generally improves battery life by a lot. why disable it?

Dalewyn 3y ago
Software decoding is generally more customizable and better quality, also better stability depending on the circumstances.
- wtallis 3y ago
  Adjustability of codec parameters and quality are reasons to prefer software over hardware for encoding, but I've never seen any evidence or explanation for how software decoding can likewise be significantly better—unless you're referring to post-processing that can just as easily be done after hardware decoding.
- slashink 3y ago
  Encoding yes. Decoding the image is equal, at least with h.264
- CyberDildonics 3y ago
  You probably read this about software encoding and got them mixed up in your head.
  - Dalewyn 3y ago
    I've messed around in the anime fansubbing scene many years ago and still tinker around with codecs and filters since I care about that stuff. I don't usually use hardware decoders because there are restrictions, such as what renderers can be used or what and where filters can be placed in the decoding and rendering pipeline. Hardware decoding is great when power (be it electrical or processing) is limited, but if you really want to have all the knobs available software decoding is what you want.
nicolaslem 3y ago
I was hitting a bug that would randomly crash the GPU when hardware decoding VP9. I re-enabled hardware decoding after adding a Firefox extension that let me chose the codec Youtube uses. Regarding battery life, I really haven't noticed a difference on a 6800U. Both hover around a disappointing 7W.

redox99 3y ago

> A modern CPU should be able to decode 1080p in software without breaking a sweat. Not true for modern codecs such as AV1

abrouwers 3y ago

Strange, my fan (12th gen intel) spins up instantly on software, and my battery life takes a hit.