AV1 Maximum Bit Depths Across All Profiles

The AOMedia Video 1 (AV1) video coding format specifies three distinct profiles designed to support various use cases ranging from consumer web streaming to high-end video production. Across these profiles, AV1 supports color bit depths of 8-bit, 10-bit, and up to a maximum of 12-bit color precision. This article details the exact maximum bit depth capabilities assigned to each of the three defined AV1 profiles: Main, High, and Professional.

AV1 Main Profile

• Maximum Bit Depth: 10-bit
• Supported Bit Depths: 8-bit and 10-bit
• Chroma Subsampling: 4:2:0

The Main Profile is the most widely deployed profile across consumer hardware and web platforms. It is tailored for standard and High Dynamic Range (HDR) streaming video. It caps the bit depth at 10 bits per component while exclusively supporting 4:2:0 chroma subsampling.

AV1 High Profile

• Maximum Bit Depth: 10-bit
• Supported Bit Depths: 8-bit and 10-bit
• Chroma Subsampling: 4:4:4 and 4:2:0

The High Profile is designed for content requiring full chroma resolution, such as screen sharing, gaming, and digital graphics. While it expands color resolution support to 4:4:4, its maximum bit depth remains identical to the Main Profile at 10 bits per component.

AV1 Professional Profile

• Maximum Bit Depth: 12-bit
• Supported Bit Depths: 8-bit, 10-bit, and 12-bit
• Chroma Subsampling: 4:0:0 (Monochrome), 4:2:0, 4:2:2, and 4:4:4

The Professional Profile is engineered for professional post-production, broadcast, and mastering workflows. It provides the highest precision in the specification, raising the maximum bit depth to 12 bits per component. In addition to 12-bit color, it is the only profile that adds support for 4:2:2 chroma subsampling.

Summary

Across the entire AV1 specification, the absolute maximum bit depth supported is 12-bit, available exclusively under the Professional Profile. The Main and High profiles both top out at a maximum of 10-bit.