How Google Mandates AV1 on Android TV Devices

Google mandates AV1 video decoding support for Android TV devices through its strict hardware certification guidelines and operating system compatibility standards. Beginning with devices running Android TV 10 and reinforced in subsequent releases, any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) launching a new television, set-top box, or streaming stick must include dedicated hardware support for the AV1 codec to obtain Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification. This article outlines the mechanisms Google uses to enforce this rule, the technical specifications required, and the strategic reasons behind the mandate.

The Mechanism: CDD and GMS Licensing

Google enforces its AV1 mandate primarily through the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) and Google Mobile Services (GMS) licensing agreements.

To legally ship a product featuring the Google Play Store, YouTube, and the Android TV launcher, manufacturers must pass the Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) and sign a GMS contract. Google updated these partner agreements to state that all new chipset designs and new device models launching on Android 10 or higher must support hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding. Without meeting these conditions, a device cannot achieve official Android TV certification.

Technical Performance Requirements

The mandate does not permit software-based decoding, as software rendering consumes too much processing power and causes frame drops on low-power television processors. Instead, manufacturers must include dedicated silicon blocks within the System-on-Chip (SoC).

The technical baseline includes:

• Decoding Capability: Hardware decoding support for the AV1 Main Profile, Level 4.1 or higher.
• Resolution and Framerate: Devices supporting 4K output must decode AV1 at 4K resolution up to 60 frames per second (fps). For 1080p-capped streaming devices, the decoder must handle at least 1080p at 60 fps.
• Color Depth: Support for 8-bit and 10-bit color depths, enabling High Dynamic Range (HDR) standards such as HDR10.

Chipset Adaptation

Because the mandate targets new device launches rather than retroactively forcing updates on existing legacy hardware, major SoC vendors updated their product roadmaps accordingly. Chipmakers including Amlogic, Realtek, MediaTek, and Broadcom introduced entry-level, mid-range, and flagship processors equipped with integrated AV1 decoders to ensure device makers could comply with Google's requirements without excessive manufacturing costs.

Reasons Behind the Mandate

Google enforces AV1 across the Android TV ecosystem for several operational reasons:

• Bandwidth Reduction: AV1 offers roughly 30% greater compression efficiency compared to VP9 and H.264/AVC, allowing high-resolution streaming at significantly lower bitrates.
• Infrastructure Savings: Lower data rates reduce bandwidth costs for major video distribution platforms, particularly YouTube.
• Royalty-Free Architecture: Developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia)—of which Google is a founding member—AV1 removes licensing uncertainties and recurring royalty fees associated with proprietary alternatives like HEVC (H.265).