[–] u/brickfrog2 3 points 6 months ago*

Software & device vendors are still hesitant to support native playback for HEVC/H.265 due to licensing costs, performance, etc. Why should the scene go with a codec that is so lightly supported?

I don't want this conversation to completely turn to a full blown discussion about piracy because the scene has nothing to do with usenet, but this is historical, so maybe it's allowed.

To those that remember the introduction of the XviD and x264 sections, the scene does have a history of being on the bleeding edge before widespread adoption of standards by device manufacturers.

HDTV broadcasts are what drove the scene to adopt x264. It was easily accessible content available OTA. The first TV x264 pre was an episode of CBS The Unit.

The main push for x265 today is 4K content, which is not widely available or easily accessed. Most of it is locked down, and only accessible via streaming providers. There is risk in copying it as every 4K player requires an internet connection.

The risk vs. reward is not there for many people.