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

[youcinez 2]

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 May 22 by GrimReaper
Link removed

[RanmaCanada 544]

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.

[youcinez 2]

I respectfully disagree — AV1 is very much ready for prime time in 2026, at least on the hardware decoding side.

The fragmentation issue you mention is real for software encoding workflows, but for streaming and playback it is largely a non-issue now. The major streaming platforms including YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime have all standardized on AV1 for delivery. Browser support is universal. Hardware decoder support is built into all modern Android TV processors.

Our benchmark testing confirms this — Amlogic S928X and MediaTek MT8695 both handle 4K AV1 at 60fps sustained with no issues whatsoever. The hardware decoding path is completely stable and mature.

The encoding fragmentation you describe is a valid concern for content creators doing offline encoding workflows. But for streaming app developers and end users consuming content, AV1 is already the best option available — 34% better bandwidth efficiency vs H.264 at same quality, hardware decode support on all modern chips, and universal browser/device support.

Edited May 22 by seanbuff
personal link removed

[RanmaCanada 544]

7 hours ago, youcinez said:

I respectfully disagree — AV1 is very much ready for prime time in 2026, at least on the hardware decoding side.

The fragmentation issue you mention is real for software encoding workflows, but for streaming and playback it is largely a non-issue now. The major streaming platforms including YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime have all standardized on AV1 for delivery. Browser support is universal. Hardware decoder support is built into all modern Android TV processors.

Our benchmark testing confirms this — Amlogic S928X and MediaTek MT8695 both handle 4K AV1 at 60fps sustained with no issues whatsoever. The hardware decoding path is completely stable and mature.

The encoding fragmentation you describe is a valid concern for content creators doing offline encoding workflows. But for streaming app developers and end users consuming content, AV1 is already the best option available — 34% better bandwidth efficiency vs H.264 at same quality, hardware decode support on all modern chips, and universal browser/device support.

Full benchmark data comparing AV1 hardware decode performance across different Android TV processors: youcinez.com/melhor-tv-box-para-youcine-apk-2026-desempenho

Sir, this is an Emby forum, where we use our OWN MEDIA. The fact you are basically dismissing the encoding problem is pretty serious. If I'm going to encode something, I'll gladly use HEVC instead of AV1 as I don't need to use a special fork for HDR, and DV content just works. We don't give a flying flock about Netflix or Amazon here. HEVC still gives better results as well when it comes to visual quality be it through VMAF or XPSNR. I've dealt back and forth with some of the AV1 community on Doom9, and the gatekeeping and refusal to accept criticism is pretty bad as they take any as a personal attack.