What is a limitation of using H.265 in streaming?

Choosing limited support from decoders as the correct answer highlights a significant aspect of H.265, also known as HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding). While H.265 provides improved compression and video quality, its adoption has faced challenges, primarily due to varying levels of support across different devices and platforms. Not all devices support H.265 decoding, particularly older hardware or software systems that were widely used before H.265 became standard.

This limited support can lead to compatibility issues, where videos encoded in H.265 may not play on certain systems, restricting its usability for streaming content across all platforms. The need for updated hardware or player software that can handle the decoding of H.265 can be a significant barrier for both content providers and consumers, impacting the widespread adoption of this codec in streaming applications.

Many users may still rely on older codecs like H.264, which has broader compatibility with existing devices and services, affecting the transition to newer technologies like H.265. This limitation underscores the importance of ensuring that end-users have access to compatible playback solutions for a seamless streaming experience.