A New Era in Video Streaming: Insights from the Semiconductor Industry

The semiconductor industry is evolving rapidly, and its advancements directly impact the video streaming ecosystem. As streaming engineers, understanding these changes is crucial to staying ahead in a competitive landscape. From breakthroughs in hardware efficiency to new methods for handling massive data loads, semiconductors are the unsung heroes driving innovation in video processing.

This semiconductor industry report published by PwC featured NETINT alongside Google and Meta, highlighting actionable strategies for optimizing video streaming workflows. Whether you aim to reduce latency, improve encoding efficiency, or deliver flawless streaming at scale, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to leveraging cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.

Let’s explore how these developments can redefine your workflows and push the boundaries of what’s possible in video streaming.

Embrace Hardware-Accelerated Encoding: VPUs

As demand for higher-resolution video grows, traditional software-based encoding needs help. Hardware-accelerated encoding, powered by specialized semiconductor solutions, offers an efficient alternative.

According to the PwC Semiconductor Industry Report, hardware encoders often process video streams 5–10 times faster than software solutions while significantly reducing CPU load and power consumption. NETINT VPUs encode video greater than 20x faster. A moderately equipped 1RU server with ten Quadra VPUs encodes 320 1080p30 AV1, HEVC, or H.264 live streams at broadcast quality. This approach is especially beneficial for advanced codecs like HEVC and AV1.

Leverage Advanced Memory & Edge Technologies

Efficient memory management is a cornerstone of smooth video streaming. Modern semiconductors with advanced memory technologies are designed to handle high-resolution content with minimal latency. The PwC Report highlights that high-bandwidth memory (HBM) delivers faster data access speeds critical for ultra-HD and 8K video processing.

In addition, edge-centric architectures are revolutionizing data processing by bringing computation closer to end users. Offloading tasks to edge devices reduces latency and optimizes delivery speeds. To avoid overburdening centralized servers, semiconductors with edge-processing capabilities should be integrated into your infrastructure. Begin by assessing your system’s memory requirements, transitioning to high-bandwidth memory where necessary, and implementing edge computing for workload distribution.

Optimize for AI-Driven Video Enhancement

AI is transforming video quality enhancement, automating upscaling, noise reduction, and real-time analytics. According to the PwC Report, on-chip AI accelerators reduce latency by performing computations directly on the hardware, enabling real-time frame interpolation for smoother encoding performance and video processing.

AI-powered encoding dynamically adjusts bitrate and resolution to optimize quality, outperforming static encoding profiles that fail under variable network conditions. Incorporating AI-driven adaptive streaming improves efficiency and viewer experience. Identify areas where AI can provide immediate value, adopt semiconductor solutions with built-in AI acceleration, and continuously refine your workflows through iterative testing.

Prepare for the Rise of AV1 and Beyond

The AV1 codec offers up to 30% better compression compared to HEVC, making it a game-changer for bandwidth optimization. The PwC Report emphasizes that adopting semiconductors with native AV1 support ensures seamless transitions and reduces bandwidth costs without sacrificing quality.

Transitioning to AV1 can seem complex, but phased implementation supported by compatible hardware makes it manageable. Review your codec roadmap to identify integration opportunities, ensure your semiconductor hardware supports AV1 encoding and playback, and plan your transition in stages to avoid disruptions.

Monitor and Scale with Semiconductor Insights

Monitoring and scaling are critical for maintaining performance as user demand grows. Advanced semiconductors provide real-time diagnostics that help predict and prevent failures, as noted in the PwC Report. Modular architectures also enable incremental scaling, making it easier to adapt to changing demands.

By implementing monitoring tools that track performance metrics, leveraging modular semiconductor solutions for scalability, and continuously analyzing operational data, you can optimize your infrastructure for current and future needs.

Powering the Future of Video Streaming

The semiconductor industry’s advancements are transforming the video streaming landscape. By embracing hardware-accelerated encoding, leveraging advanced memory technologies, optimizing for AI-driven enhancements, preparing for next-gen codecs like AV1, and adopting scalable architectures, you can unlock new levels of efficiency and quality.

Evaluating your workflows and investing in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies is essential for staying competitive. The insights from the PwC Semiconductor Industry Report provide a roadmap to build resilient and scalable streaming infrastructures that deliver exceptional quality. Continuously monitor and refine your strategies to remain at the forefront of video streaming innovation.

Schedule a meeting to learn how NETINT VPUs can enhance live streaming with energy-efficient, scalable solutions.