Max Video Resolution of AV1 Level 6.3

The AOMedia Video 1 (AV1) Level 6.3 specification defines the highest tier of performance standardized for the open-source video codec, targeting ultra-high-resolution and high-frame-rate streaming. This article outlines the exact maximum resolution limits supported by AV1 Level 6.3, detailing pixel boundaries, common display formats, and associated hardware performance parameters.

The maximum video resolution supported by the AV1 Level 6.3 profile is 8192 × 4352 pixels, which encompasses standard 8K UHD (7680 × 4320) as well as 8K DCI (8192 × 4320).

In the official AV1 specification, resolution limits are defined by total picture area rather than rigid aspect ratios. For Level 6.3, the relevant limits include:

• Maximum Picture Size (MaxPicSize): 35,651,584 luma samples. Any combination of width and height that does not exceed this total sample count is valid.
• Maximum Width and Height: Theoretical bounds allow a maximum horizontal (MaxHSize) or vertical (MaxVSize) dimension of up to 65,536 pixels, provided the total pixel count remains within the 35,651,584 sample ceiling.
• Standard 16:9 Display: 7680 × 4320 pixels (33,177,600 samples).
• Standard 256:135 (DCI) Display: 8192 × 4320 pixels (35,389,440 samples).

Beyond raw resolution, Level 6.3 supports these 8K frame buffers at high temporal rates. With a maximum display luma sample rate of 4,718,592,000 samples per second, Level 6.3 can decode 8K video at up to 120 frames per second (fps).

Level 6.3 also provides the highest maximum bitrates in the AV1 standard, accommodating bitrates up to 240 Mbps in the Main tier and up to 320 Mbps in the High tier. This makes the profile suited for high-end professional workflows, virtual reality displays, and next-generation broadcast delivery.