Codecs & Compression
H.264 (AVC)
The most widely compatible video codec in use today, offering broad device support at the cost of less efficient compression than newer codecs.
H.264 has been the default streaming codec for over a decade, supported by essentially every device with hardware decoding capability. Newer codecs like H.265 and AV1 compress more efficiently, but H.264's near-universal compatibility is why it remains common for IPTV channels prioritizing broad reach over maximum efficiency.