# Features
Source: [https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html)
The Adreno VPU provides the following video decoding and encoding features:
| Use case | Feature | QCS6490 | QCS9075 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Codecs** | H.264 (8‑bit decoder) | Yes | Yes |
| **Codecs** | HEVC (8‑bit decoder) | Yes | Yes |
| **Codecs** | HEVC (10‑bit decoder) | Yes | Yes |
| **Codecs** | VP9 (8‑bit decoder) | Yes | Yes |
| **Codecs** | VP9 (10‑bit decoder) | Yes | Yes |
| **Codecs** | AV1 (8‑bit decoder) | No | Yes |
| **Codecs** | AV1 (10‑bit decoder) | No | Yes |
| **Codecs** | H.264 (8‑bit encoder) | Yes | Yes |
| **Codecs** | HEVC (8‑bit encoder) | Yes | Yes |
| **Features** | [B-frame encode](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_gv4_f4s_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1242-21-896) | Yes | Yes |
| **Features** | [Encoder initial QP override](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_k41_y1t_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1419-9-910) | Yes | Yes |
| **Features** | [Hierarchical-P encode](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_zvc_1bt_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1419-46-611) | Yes | No |
| **Features** | [Slice encode](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_szx_dbt_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1420-53-632) | Yes | No |
| **Features** | [Intra-refresh](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_wb2_3bt_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1422-8-48) | Yes | No |
| **Features** | [Preprocessing](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_vh4_3bt_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1422-14-963) | Yes | No |
| **Features** | [Rate control](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_tf5_gbt_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1421-43-813) | Yes | Yes |
| **Features** | [Long term reference (LTR)](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_mpl_nbt_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1423-41-14) | Yes | No |
| **Features** | [Dynamic properties](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__p_ykm_qbt_q1c_eputla_03-06-24-1424-34-300) | Yes | Yes |
| **Concurrency** | Multi-instance support | Yes | Yes |
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## Feature descriptions
The supported decode and encode features are detailed as follows:
**B-frame encode**
B-frame is a type of frame that uses both earlier and future frames as data reference
to obtain the highest amount of data compression. The Adreno VPU can encode frames
with adaptive B type to obtain the highest possible compression without compromising
on the video quality.
**Encoder initial QP override**
Video encoding involves mapping signal levels to discrete values that are easily
compressed. Quantization is a lossy process, and the levels of quantization govern
the quality compared to compression. Encoders start with a default Quantization
Parameter (QP) at the beginning. Based on the configured bit rate and scene
complexity, encoders arrive at the right QP value by continuously monitoring the
complexity and redundancy across frames. It might take a few seconds for the encoder
to reach a steady state and predict the correct QP value that matches the target bit
rate (also known as rate convergence).
**Hierarchical-P encode**
With the Hierarchical-P (Hier-P) feature, the encoder organizes the frames into
multiple layers, with frames of one layer referencing only frames from the lower
layers as shown in the following figure. The lowest layer, also known as layer 0 or
the base layer, is the only exception.
Figure : Hier-P layer encoding pattern
In this figure, TL-0 represents the base layer, and the remaining layers represent
the enhancement layers. Hier-P improves error resilience and temporal scalability.
The Hier-P feature is useful for video telephony (VT) or videoconferencing
applications that involve channel errors. Hier-P allows you to control error
propagation by selectively dropping the enhancement layers.
**Slice encode**
Encoders can compress a frame with an independently decodable Group-of-Blocks (GOBs),
also known as slices. If there is a data loss or corruption, each slice is
independently decodable, and is intended to be a unit of recovery. The following are
the advantages of introducing slices in an encoded frame:
- A corrupt slice can be ignored and skipped to a next slice, thus restricting
the corruption to a part of the frame instead of the entire frame.
- Slices can be sized to fit within a network packet to help with
transmission.
- Erroneous slices can be retransmitted instead of sending the whole
frame.
- Applications can use slices to reduce latency in real-time communication.
Slices can be transmitted and decoded in parallel, without having to wait
for the entire frame to be encoded.
Slices also work as resynchronization markers because the decoders can resume from
the next slice (marker) when there are bit errors. The H.264 and HEVC encoders
support slicing on Qualcomm Linux. A slice boundary can be specified as the number
of bits per slice or the number of macroblocks per slice.
**Intra refresh**
The intra-refresh feature helps in reducing the channel loss in streaming and casting
applications that favor a constant bit rate. The Adreno VPU supports random
intrarefresh mode.
**Video encoder preprocessing**
When a YUV frame must be rotated or flipped, applications can use the Adreno VPU to
perform the rotation or flip operations before encoding the YUV frame. The Adreno
VPU performs the rotation or flip operation without consuming extra power.
**Rate control**
The following table lists the supported rate control algorithms:
| Rate control mode | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Variable bit rate (VBR) |
Minimizes the frame-by-frame video quality fluctuation
Camcorder and Wi-Fi display are the example use cases
|
| Constant bit rate (CBR) |
Reduces bit rate fluctuation
Used for real-time communication with channel bandwidth limitation
Video telephony and streaming are the example use cases
|
| Maximum bit rate (MBR) |
Limits the bit rate while maintaining flexibility and may bounce up and down within the set target
Bit rate increases when the activity in a scene increases within a maximum limit
Integrated with a smart bit allocation (SBA) feature to achieve better quality at a lower bit rate
|
**Long Term Reference (LTR) support**
Video compression works by eliminating redundancies within the frame (intraframe) and
between the frames (interframe). Previously, the encoded frames that used to serve
as a basis to derive future frames were known as reference frames.
The following are the two types of reference frames that allow advanced encoding
applications to control how the reference frames are stored and referred:
- **Short-Term Reference (STR)**: Recent frames are maintained in a
reference buffer list from the newest to the oldest. The encoder
automatically manages frames using STRs for reference, and deletes them from
a stored list when they are no longer used.
- **Long-Term Reference (LTR)**: Frames that the application can save, use,
and remove. The LTR frames are used to improve quality and ensure error
resiliency in video communication. The maximum number of frames that can be
marked with LTR frames depends on the device capability.
LTR frames are useful in error-prone channels. Referring to LTR in error-prone
channels reduces the possibility of drift errors due to channel losses. The receiver
must confirm that the LTR is received successfully and that it can request a new LTR
when an error occurs. The network protocols have checksums that can confirm this
behavior, along with the decoder corruption flags. New LTR frames are generated from
the sender until the receiver confirms that a successful LTR is received.
LTR frames are also useful in videos with scene changes where an LTR with the
previous scene can be preserved. If that scene comes back, then the LTR can be used
effectively.
At the start of the new Group-of-pictures (GOP), the encoder automatically fills the
LTR slots, and the first slot (slot number 0) is filled with an IDR frame. However,
an application can explicitly send an LTR mark request to mark the LTR frames in the
appropriate slots. The following image shows the flow diagram for LTR usage, and how
LTR frames can be marked and used on an H.264 or HEVC encoder:
Figure : Long-Term Reference encoding
**Dynamic encoder properties**
The Adreno VPU encoder supports dynamic change of properties such as bit rate, frame
rate, and sync frame. This support enables the application to change the properties
and helps in improved visual experience, video data adjusting to network conditions,
and minimizing the loss of data during transmission.
## QCS9075 video capabilities and features
The Adreno VPU on the QCS9075 is a seventh-generation video processing unit that
comes with the following capabilities:
| Feature | Capability |
| --- | --- |
| Video decode |
Up to 7680 × 4320 at 60 fps or 3840 × 2160 at 240 fps for H.264/HEVC/AV1
Up to 3840 × 2160 at 240 fps for VP9
|
| Video encode | Up to 7680 × 4320 at 30 fps for H.264/HEVC |
| Video concurrency |
24x for 1920 × 1088 at 30 fps
8x for 3840 × 2160 at 30 fps
|
| High frame rate capture | 1920 × 1088 at 480 fps or 3840 × 2160 at 120 fps |
| Maximum macro blocks per second | 7833600 You can calculate the maximum macroblocks per second using the formula:
Main profile 8 bit, up to level 6.0, 6.1 (Lossless only), Main/High tier
VBR and CBR
|
Minimum resolution: 96 × 96
Maximum resolution: 8192 × 4320 or 4320 × 8192
Maximum frame rate: 480 fps
Maximum bit rate: 160 Mbps
|
1280 × 720 at 480 fps, 160 Mbps
1920 × 1088 at 480 fps, 160 Mbps
3840 × 2160 at 120 fps, 160 Mbps
7680 × 4320 at 30 fps, 160 Mbps
|
Individual encoded slice delivery per buffer
Multislice is enabled
|
| Multichannel/Resolution/fps/Codec | Use case combination | Recommended bit rate per session (Mbps) | Recommended bit rate per session (Mbps) | Recommended bit rate per session (Mbps) | Recommended bit rate per session (Mbps) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Multichannel/Resolution/fps/Codec | Use case combination | H.264 (CAVLC) | H.264 (CABAC) | HEVC | AV1 (Decoder only) |
| 24x for 1920 × 1088 at 30 fps, any supported codec combination | Decode only (or) Decode + Encode (or) Encode only | 9.17 | 7.92 | 7.92 | 5 |
| | | | | | |
Table : Adreno VPU feature description for QCS9075
| Feature | Description | Codecs | Remarks |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Encoder input color formats | NV12 and QC08C | H.264 and HEVC | None |
| Decoder output color formats | NV12, QC08C, and QC10C | H.264, HEVC, VP9 and AV1 | None |
| B-frame encode | Up to 3840 × 2160 at 60 fps encode | H.264 and HEVC | The maximum number of B-frames supported between two P-Frames is one |
| Initial QP override | Supported for I, P, and B-frames | H.264 and HEVC | None |
| Rate control | CBR and VBR | H.264 and HEVC | None |
| Dynamic properties for encoder | Sync frame, bit rate, and fps | H.264 and HEVC | Supported in CBR and VBR RC modes |
| Multichannel support | Up to 24 instances | H.264, HEVC, VP9 and AV1 | See [Table : Adreno VPU multichannel capabilities for QCS9075](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-20/topic/features.html#concept_i4r_c5h_bzb__table_y35_1hz_lcc_eputla_08-22-24-1157-50-24) |
Note: End-to-end functionality
using [IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70014-50/overview.html) is validated up to 3840 × 2160
resolution.
## QCS6490 video capabilities and features
The Adreno VPU on the QCS6490 is a sixth-generation Ultra-HD video processing unit
that comes with the following capabilities:
| Feature | Capability |
| --- | --- |
| Video decode | Up to 4096 × 2160 at 60 fps for H.264/HEVC/VP9 |
| Video encode | Up to 4096 × 2160 at 30 fps for H.264/HEVC |
| Video concurrency |
1920 × 1088 at 60 fps decode and 1920 × 1088 at 60 fps encode
3840 × 2160 at 30 fps decode and 1920 × 1088 at 30 fps encode
4096 × 2160 at 30 fps encode and 1280 × 720 at 30 fps encode
|
| High frame rate capture | 1280 × 720 at 480 fps or 1920 × 1088 at 240 fps |
| Maximum macro blocks per second | 2088960 You can calculate the maximum macroblocks per second using the formula:
For example, (4096 × 2176 × 60)/256 = 2088960 |
| 10‑bit playback | HEVC and VP9 |
| Multi-instance capability | 16x of 1920 × 1088 at 30 fps |
Table : Adreno VPU decoder capabilities for QCS6490
| Decoder standard | Supported profile and level | Minimum/Maximum resolution, Maximum frame rate, and bit rate | Maximum supported resolution, frame rate, and bit rate | Limitations/tools not supported |
| :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| HEVC |
Main profile 8‑bit up to level 5.1
Main profile 10‑bit, up to level 5.1, HLG schemes
|
Minimum resolution: 96 × 96
Maximum resolution: 4096 × 2160 or 2160 × 4096
Maximum frame rate: 480 fps
Maximum bit rate: 100 Mbps
|
1280 × 720 at 480 fps, 100 Mbps
1920 × 1088 at 240 fps, 100 Mbps
3840 × 2160 at 60 fps, 100 Mbps
4096 × 2160 at 60 fps, 100 Mbps
|
Maximum 128 slices per frame
Individual slice-based decoding
|
| H.264 | Constrained baseline, baseline, main, high, constrained high profiles; up to level 5.2 |
Minimum resolution: 96 × 96
Maximum resolution: 4096 × 2160 or 2160 × 4096
Maximum frame rate: 480 fps
Maximum bit rate: 100 Mbps
|
1280 × 720 at 480 fps, 100 Mbps
1920 × 1088 at 240 fps, 100 Mbps
3840 × 2160 at 60 fps, 100 Mbps
4096 × 2160 at 60 fps, 100 Mbps
|
Flexible macroblock order (FMO)
Arbitrary slice ordering (ASO)
Redundant slices (RS)
Data partition
Maximum 10 slices per frame
Interlaced content is not supported
|
| VP9 |
Profile 0; 8‑bit up to level 5.1
Profile 2; 10‑bit up to level 5.1 HLG/PQ schemes
|
Minimum resolution: 96 × 96
Maximum resolution: 4096 × 2160 or 2160 × 4096
Maximum frame rate: 480 fps
Maximum bit rate: 100 Mbps
|
1280 × 720 at 480 fps, 100 Mbps
1920 × 1088 at 240 fps, 100 Mbps
3840 × 2160 at 60 fps, 100 Mbps
4096 × 2160 at 60 fps, 100 Mbps
| Profile 2; 12‑bit is not supported |
Table : Adreno VPU encoder capabilities for QCS6490
| Encoder standard | Supported profile and level and RC modes | Minimum/Maximum resolution, maximum frame rate, and maximum bit rate | Supported resolution, frame rate, bit rate | Limitations/tools not supported |
| :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| H.264 |
Constrained baseline, baseline, main, high, constrained high profiles; up to level 5
VBR, CBR, MBR
|
Minimum resolution: 128 × 128
Maximum resolution: 4096 × 2160 or 2160 × 4096
Maximum frame rate: 240 fps
Maximum bit rate: 100 Mbps
|
1280 × 720 at 240 fps, 100 Mbps
1920 × 1088 at 120 fps, 100 Mbps
3840 × 2160 at 30 fps, 100 Mbps
4096 × 2160 at 30 fps, 100 Mbps
| None |
| HEVC |
Main profile 8‑bit, up to level 5.0
Main/High tier VBR, CBR, MBR
|
Minimum resolution: 128 × 128
Maximum resolution: 4096 × 2160 or 2160 × 4096
Maximum frame rate: 240 fps
Maximum bit rate: 100 Mbps
|
1280 × 720 at 240 fps, 100 Mbps
1920 × 1088 at 120 fps, 100 Mbps
3840 × 2160 at 30 fps, 100 Mbps
4096 × 2160 at 30 fps, 100 Mbps
| Vertical tiling is only enabled for frame width ≥ 960 |
Table : Adreno VPU feature description for QCS6490
| Feature | Description | Codecs | Remarks |
| :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| Encoder input color formats | NV12 and QC08C | H.264 and HEVC | None |
| Decoder output color formats | NV12, QC08C, and QC10C | H.264, HEVC, and VP9 | None |
| Rotation | Supports 90, 180, and 270‑degree rotation before encoding the frame | H.264 and HEVC | Supports static rotation only |
| Flip | Supports horizontal and vertical flip before encoding the frame | H.264 and HEVC | Supports static and dynamic flip |
| B-frame encode | Up to 1920 × 1088 at 60 fps encode | H.264 and HEVC | The maximum number of B-frames supported between 2 P-Frames is 1 |
| Hierarchical-P encode | Up to 5 layers | H.264 and HEVC | None |
| Initial QP override | Supported for I, P and B-frames | H.264 and HEVC | None |
| Slice encode | Yes | H.264 and HEVC | The slice boundary is supported based on the number of bits per slice or the number of macroblocks per slice |
| Intra refresh | Random refresh mode | H.264 and HEVC |
Supported only in 8‑bit encoding
Supported only in the CBR RC mode
|
| Rate control | CBR, VBR, and MBR | H.264 and HEVC | None |
| LTR | 2 frames | H.264 and HEVC | Supported in CBR RC mode |
| Dynamic properties for encoder | Sync frame, bit rate, and fps | H.264 and HEVC | Supported in CBR and VBR RC modes |
| Multichannel support | Up to 16 instances | H.264, HEVC, and VP9 | Subject to maximum macroblock capability |
Last Published: Oct 15, 2024
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