GStreamer 1.26 It is now available and comes with a host of new features designed to improve compatibility with next-generation codecs, optimize hardware acceleration, and add new tools for developers and multimedia content creators. This update maintains the stability of its API and ABI within the 1.x framework series.
After a year since the last major update, GStreamer 1.26 introduces Support for the H.266 or Versatile Video Coding (VVC) video codec, a format that promises greater compression efficiency compared to its predecessor H.265/HEVC. Support for Low Complexity Enhancement Video Coding (LCEVC), a technology that improves the efficiency of other codecs through enhancement layers.
Main New Features of GStreamer 1.26
Support for new video and audio codecs
In addition to support for H.266/VVC and LCEVC, GStreamer 1.26 includes support for the image codec JPEG-XS, optimized for ultra-low-latency video production workflows. Format capabilities are also expanded. Sailor y MPEG-TS, adding support for AV1 y VP9, which benefits both the playback and streaming of multimedia content.
Improvements in integration with Vulkan and Direct3D12
This version adds multiple optimizations to Vulkan integration, improving performance in video decoding and encoding. A new Direct3D12 integration support library, along with elements like d3d12swapchainsink and d3d12deinterlace, which allow for better management of multimedia processing in Windows environments. This is especially useful for those using advanced solutions in their multimedia workflows.
GStreamer 1.26 also features Performance improvements that benefit developers looking to maximize the efficiency of their applications. For example, memory management optimizations are key to more efficient resource use in large projects. If you'd like to learn more about projects using GStreamer, you can read about the PulseAudio news, which also focuses on multimedia processing efficiency.
New subtitle and transcription tools in GStreamer 1.26
GStreamer 1.26 incorporates New features for handling subtitles and metadata in video. Tools have been added for extracting and inserting subtitles in H.264 and H.265, as well as a new cea708overlay element that allows CEA-708 subtitles to be overlaid on video in real time.
Furthermore, AWS and Speechmatics transcription and translation services have been integrated, allowing audio to be converted to text with greater precision. These tools are especially valuable for content creators looking to facilitate access to their audiovisual productions, promoting a broader audience.
Optimizing workflows in video production is crucial, and GStreamer 1.26 addresses this in several ways.
Optimization in performance and stability
Among other improvements, the new version incorporates adjustments in the memory management y processing times. The webrtcbin modules have been optimized to improve synchronization in real-time video streaming and QUIC support has been improved for efficient streaming of multimedia content on the web.
Bugs have also been fixed and multiple modules optimized such as Video4Linux2 (V4L2), improving support for specialized Linux hardware. These optimizations ensure that developers can rely on GStreamer 1.26 to build powerful and reliable applications.
This update represents a significant evolution for GStreamer, consolidating its position as one of the most powerful and versatile multimedia frameworks on the market.
