Introduction

One of the most advanced and widely adopted modern compression technologies is H.265, also known as High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). Designed to improve upon its predecessor, H.264, H.265 delivers significantly better compression ratios while maintaining high video quality. In this article, we’ll explore what H.265 is, how it works, its advantages and drawbacks, and when it makes sense to deploy this codec—especially in the context of dash camera systems used in fleet operations. We’ll also touch on how Jimi IoT leverages H.265 in its latest video telematics solutions.

Understanding H.265: A Next-Generation Video Codec

H.265/HEVC is a video compression standard jointly developed by the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG). Introduced in the early 2010s and standardized around 2016, H.265 was created to substantially reduce the amount of data needed to encode video while preserving—or even enhancing—video quality.

Compared to H.264 (Advanced Video Coding, or AVC), H.265 is capable of reducing video file sizes by up to 50% without a loss in visual fidelity. This makes it especially advantageous for high-definition video applications, such as 1080p and 4K recording, where storage space and bandwidth are critical concerns.

How Does H.265 Work?

The performance improvements offered by H.265 are made possible through a more efficient and flexible encoding approach. While H.264 encodes video using fixed-size macroblocks (typically 16×16 pixels), H.265 introduces Coding Tree Units (CTUs), which can vary in size from 4×4 to 64×64 pixels.

This dynamic block sizing allows H.265 to analyze each segment of a video frame and apply the optimal level of compression based on complexity and motion. Scenes with little motion or uniform color—such as a vehicle parked at night—can be encoded with much larger blocks, while complex scenes with high motion receive more detailed attention. This enables the codec to achieve a much higher compression ratio.

Additionally, H.265 improves motion vector prediction, intra-frame prediction, and entropy coding—all of which contribute to a substantial reduction in required bitrate for video streaming and storage.

Key Benefits of H.265 in Dash Camera Applications

1. Maximized Storage Efficiency

For dash camera systems that record continuously—whether during operation or while parked—storage management becomes a top priority. By cutting video file sizes nearly in half, H.265 enables significantly longer recording durations without increasing storage capacity.

Consider a fleet vehicle equipped with a dashcam capable of recording seven days’ worth of footage using H.264. With H.265 enabled, that same storage device could potentially store up to 14 days of footage, depending on bitrate settings and scene complexity. Even in real-world scenarios where a full 50% reduction isn’t achieved, a 25–30% improvement is common and meaningful.

2. Reduced Bandwidth Usage for Remote Access

Dash cameras are increasingly integrated into cloud-based fleet management platforms, requiring video to be transmitted over cellular networks. H.265’s lower bitrate requirements mean faster uploads and smoother remote playback, even over limited or unstable mobile data connections.

For instance, users accessing high-resolution video streams on platforms like mobile apps or cloud dashboards will experience less buffering, quicker load times, and lower mobile data usage when using H.265 encoding.

3. Increased Wi-Fi and Cellular Connectivity Performance

In Wi-Fi or 4G-enabled dashcam deployments, network congestion can become a bottleneck. H.265 helps alleviate this issue by requiring less throughput per stream, enabling more cameras or vehicles to connect to the same access point or mobile network base station without overwhelming it.

With H.264, it’s often recommended to limit the number of Wi-Fi dashcams per access point to avoid performance degradation. With H.265, 6 to 8 dash cameras can be supported under the same conditions, which is particularly useful in dense deployments such as delivery depots or service yards.

Considerations and Limitations of H.265

Despite its clear advantages, H.265 isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are some technical and practical considerations to weigh before switching entirely to HEVC-based video encoding.

1. Higher Processing Requirements

Encoding and decoding H.265 video demands significantly more computational power than H.264. Devices must work harder to compress and decompress video, which can result in slower performance on lower-end dashcams, NVRs, or playback systems.

In fleet management scenarios, playback may occur on web-based platforms or standard laptops. If the viewing device lacks sufficient processing power or GPU acceleration, playback may stutter or fail altogether.

2. Playback Compatibility

While H.264 is universally supported across nearly all platforms and operating systems, H.265 support is more fragmented. Some operating systems—such as older versions of Windows—require additional software, plugins, or paid codecs to handle HEVC video.

Although modern smartphones (both iOS and Android) generally support H.265 natively, older desktop systems or unsupported browsers may not. This can introduce hurdles in video sharing or cross-device compatibility.

3. Device Compatibility

Not all dash cameras, video recorders, or backend systems support H.265. For H.265 to function properly, both the recording device (dashcam) and the receiving device (server, viewer, or NVR) must support HEVC. When combining products from different brands or integrating third-party software, compatibility issues can arise—especially over ONVIF connections.

It’s essential to verify H.265 support on both ends of the system before deployment. Incompatibility can lead to fallback into H.264 or even total failure of video playback or recording.

When Should You Use H.265 with Dash Cameras?

Use H.265 when:

• You require longer recording durations on limited storage.
• Your solution involves remote video streaming over cellular networks.
• You need to support multiple dashcams on the same network.
• Your hardware and software platforms are confirmed to support H.265 encoding and decoding.

Avoid H.265 when:

• Your viewing or playback devices are older or lack hardware decoding support.
• Your system includes mixed-brand components with unknown codec compatibility.
• Real-time video access is more important than storage efficiency, and the system cannot handle the additional processing load.

How Jimi IoT Uses H.265 to Enhance Video Telematics

At Jimi IoT, we integrate H.265 encoding into our latest video telematics products to provide our customers with cost-efficient, high-quality, and scalable fleet solutions. For instance, our JC181 dual-channel dash camera is built with H.265 encoding to deliver crystal-clear video while minimizing data usage and storage costs—making it an ideal choice for businesses that demand continuous recording and real-time monitoring.

Combined with GPS tracking, driver behavior analysis, and event-based alerts, Jimi IoT’s H.265-enabled dashcams not only help reduce fleet insurance premiums but also support safer and smarter fleet operations. With global compatibility, robust connectivity, and seamless cloud integration, Jimi IoT ensures that the advantages of H.265 are fully realized in real-world fleet deployments.

Conclusion

H.265, or HEVC, represents a significant leap forward in video compression technology. Its ability to drastically reduce file sizes and bandwidth usage makes it a compelling option for dash camera systems, especially in the demanding world of commercial fleets. While it does require more processing power and careful compatibility checks, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks when implemented correctly.

For fleet operators looking to optimize their video data strategies, H.265 is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. And with innovative providers like Jimi IoT offering H.265-ready solutions, businesses can confidently step into the future of efficient, high-performance video telematics.