AV1 Hardware Decoding Performance Comparison on Android TV Boxes for Emby 4K Streaming 2026

[youcinez 0]

I have been testing several Android TV Box processors specifically for 4K AV1 streaming performance with Emby in 2026. Sharing the results here as it might help others choose the right hardware.

Test Setup:

• Emby server with 4K AV1 encoded content
• Same network connection via ethernet
• 60 minute continuous playback session
• Room temperature 25C

Results:

Amlogic S928X

• 4K AV1 playback: Smooth 60fps throughout
• Peak temperature: 52C
• 8K support: Yes
• Verdict: Best choice for Emby 4K AV1

MediaTek MT8695

• 4K AV1 playback: Consistent 60fps
• Peak temperature: 58C
• 8K support: Yes
• Verdict: Excellent for Emby 4K streaming

Amlogic S905X4

• 4K AV1 playback: Drops to 30fps after 28 minutes
• Peak temperature: 68C thermal throttle
• 8K support: No
• Verdict: Not recommended for 4K AV1 with Emby

Key takeaway: AV1 codec saves 34% bandwidth vs H.264 at same quality — but only devices with dedicated AV1 hardware decoders can handle sustained 4K playback without throttling.

[redacted] 

Has anyone tested Rockchip RK3588 with Emby 4K AV1 content? Curious about its performance compared to S928X.

Edited 2 hours ago by GrimReaper
Link removed

[RanmaCanada 524]

This is great that you've done this, but AV1 is still not ready for prime time. We need to wait for the community to stop creating fork after fork after fork. There are currently at least 5 different forks, each for a different type of media to encode, and they all have different command(s)/lines and different base lines. It's insane. No one should move to AV1 unless they are perfectly fine using an pre-alpha codec.