Netflix introduces AV1 Film Grain Synthesis streams for enhanced film content visuals
Netflix's AV1 Film Grain Synthesis (FGS) is set to transform the streaming landscape, offering improved quality while reducing bitrate demands. This technology, an integral part of the AV1 codec standard, was first introduced in 2021 and rolled out widely by Netflix in early 2025 [1][4].
The innovative approach analyzes the unique film grain pattern in various parts of a video and sends a cleaner, grain-free stream along with parametric data to synthesize the grain on the viewer's device. By avoiding the compression of the film grain itself, traditionally requiring high bitrates, more efficient streaming becomes possible [1][4].
The impact on streaming quality and bitrate is significant:
- **Bitrate Reduction**: Netflix reports using less data to deliver the same high-quality video, preserving the artistic integrity of the film grain without sending the noisy grain data directly [1][2].
- **Improved Playback Stability**: Netflix's A/B testing found that enabling AV1 Film Grain Synthesis led to a smoother Quality of Experience (QoE) with about 10% fewer rebuffers, 10% fewer noticeable bitrate drops, and a 10% reduction in the time users spend adjusting playback during video [1].
- **Higher Resolution Streaming**: Approximately 0.7% of viewing hours have shifted from 1080p or lower resolutions to 2160p (4K), attributed to lower bitrates at switching points making it easier to sustain higher resolutions during a session [1].
- **Better Image Quality**: The synthetic grain helps movies retain the cinematic look and depth that traditional compression often washes out, particularly important for digitally filmed or analog-digitized content without overly "clean" or artificial visuals [2].
While some technical nuances remain, such as subtle aesthetic differences in grain size and colour modeling, overall, the technology allows Netflix to deliver a more authentic film viewing experience with better streaming efficiency and fewer interruptions [3].
In essence, Netflix's AV1 Film Grain Synthesis offers a **breakthrough in combining high visual fidelity with lower bitrates**, improving user experience and network efficiency simultaneously [1][2][4].
Technology in data-and-cloud-computing played a crucial role in the implementation of Netflix's AV1 Film Grain Synthesis (FGS). By leveraging parametric data and syndicating it across devices, this innovative technology was able to provide improved image quality with reduced bitrate demands, demonstrating the power of modern technology in transforming the streaming landscape.
