Google to introduce 4K video format that uses less bandwidth

Google has begun collaborating with hardware manufacturers to introduce a new video format that will allow you to play 4K content from YouTube on your TVs, smartphone and PCs while it consumes half the bandwidth needed by current high-definition videos. PCWorld reports VP9 format allows for videos to be shown at 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution. Television makers that plan to back the new format include LG, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Samsung, Philips, Sharp and Panasonic. Nvidia and Qualcomm also plan to create new graphics chips and processors to support VP9.

“Starting in 2014, you’ll see products from major mobile, PC and TV partners that are using a new, more efficient video format called VP9 that gives you HD quality at half the bandwidth,” Francisco Varela, global director of platform partnerships at Google, wrote in an email to PCWorld.