Film265 · Project

Better Video Streaming for Film Distributors Using Next-Gen Compression Technology

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Imagine you want to stream a movie online, but the file is so large it keeps buffering. Film265 built a smarter way to compress video — using the HEVC/H.265 standard — so the same movie takes up roughly half the bandwidth without losing picture quality. They packaged this into a cloud encoding tool and a video player that any small streaming service can plug in. They even built analytics so platform owners can see exactly where viewers drop off or experience buffering.

By the numbers

EUR 908,851

EU contribution for developing market-ready HEVC/H.265 VoD solution

consortium partners across 3 countries

SME partners integrating the technology into real VoD platforms

75%

industry ratio in the consortium

total project deliverables produced

The business problem

What needed solving

Small and medium VoD services in Europe face a losing battle on bandwidth costs and streaming quality against tech giants like Netflix. Their existing H.264 encoding pipelines waste bandwidth on oversized files while viewers suffer buffering. Without access to next-generation compression technology and real quality analytics, these platforms cannot compete on user experience.

The solution

What was built

The project delivered an HEVC/H.265 video encoder integrated into a cloud transcoding application, a decoder integrated into a video player, a Quality of Experience analytics tool (plugin + player) measuring buffering times and watch duration, and APIs for third-party integration. A demonstration event showcased all components working together.

Audience

Who needs this

Independent VoD platform operators looking to cut bandwidth costsFilm festival organizers running online screening and market platformsCloud video transcoding service providers adding HEVC supportFilm distributors shifting from physical to digital deliveryMedia companies building proprietary streaming infrastructure

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Film Distribution & VoD Platforms

SME

Target: Small and medium Video-on-Demand services competing with Netflix or Amazon

If you are a small VoD platform struggling with high bandwidth costs and buffering complaints — this project developed an HEVC/H.265 encoder and decoder specifically tuned for full-length films. It was tested by real distributors including the platform behind the Cannes Film Festival market. The cloud-based transcoding solution and open APIs mean you can integrate it without rebuilding your infrastructure.

Film Festivals & Cultural Events

any

Target: Film festival organizers running online screening platforms

If you are a film festival that needs to stream hundreds of submissions to selection committees or audiences worldwide — this project built a cloud encoding pipeline that handles full-length real-life film material with measurable quality. The Quality of Experience analytics tool tracks buffering times, delivery rate, and watch duration so you know exactly how your screenings perform. The consortium partner Cinando already integrated this for the Cannes Film Festival market.

Cloud Video Encoding Services

mid-size

Target: Media tech companies offering video transcoding as a service

If you are a cloud encoding provider looking to add HEVC/H.265 support to your product line — this project created a complete transcoding application with APIs designed for third-party integration. The encoder was benchmarked against H.264/AVC using full-length film material, giving you real performance data to show clients. With 3 SME partners already using the technology, the integration path is proven.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to adopt this technology?

The project was funded with EUR 908,851 in EU contribution and designed specifically for small and medium VoD services. The solution uses open APIs and a plugin-based player, which suggests integration costs rather than licensing fees. Contact the consortium for specific pricing and licensing terms.

Can this scale to handle large content libraries?

The system was tested with full-length real-life film material, not just short clips. The encoder runs as a cloud-based transcoding application, meaning it can scale with cloud infrastructure. Partners like Cinando (Cannes Film Festival market) and LevelK (Danish film distributor) integrated it into their production platforms.

What about intellectual property and licensing?

TU Berlin developed the core HEVC/H.265 codec, while Reelport contributed its existing PicturePipe cloud encoding solution. HEVC/H.265 is a standardized codec with its own patent licensing landscape. Specific IP terms for Film265 components should be discussed directly with the consortium.

How does this compare to what we already use with H.264?

The project included a direct comparison of HEVC/H.265 versus H.264/AVC using full-length real-life film material. HEVC/H.265 typically delivers the same visual quality at roughly half the bitrate. The project quantified this with Quality of Experience metrics including buffering times, performance, and delivery rate.

Is this ready to deploy today?

This was an Innovation Action that ran from 2015 to 2016 and produced 9 deliverables including a demonstration event. The technology was integrated into working VoD platforms by 3 SME partners. However, since the project closed in 2016, you should verify current availability and compatibility with the consortium.

What analytics come with the solution?

Film265 developed a Quality of Experience measurement tool consisting of a plugin and player. It tracks buffering times, performance, delivery rate, and time watched. The tool was designed to be usable by any VoD service globally.

Consortium

Who built it

The Film265 consortium is unusually industry-heavy at 75%, with 3 out of 4 partners being SMEs — a strong signal that this was built for commercial use, not academic publishing. TU Berlin provided the core video codec expertise, while the three SMEs each brought a real market position: Reelport runs VoD for film festivals, Cinando operates the Cannes Film Festival's online market platform, and LevelK is a Danish film distributor using VoD daily. Spanning 3 countries (Germany, Denmark, France), the consortium covers key European film industry hubs. The fact that all SME partners integrated the technology into their own platforms means the solution was validated by companies with skin in the game.

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT BERLINCoordinator · DE
reelport GmbHparticipant · DE
SOCIETE DE GESTION D'OPERATIONS COMMERCIALES POUR LE FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DU FILMparticipant · FR

How to reach the team

The coordinator is Technische Universität Berlin (Germany). SciTransfer can help identify the right contact person in the Audio Communication Group.

Order a report on this consortium See TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT BERLIN profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore HEVC/H.265 encoding for your streaming platform? SciTransfer can connect you with the Film265 team and help evaluate fit for your content delivery needs.

Order a report on this topic More in Digital & ICT