Video encoder Xiaomi: analysis of technology, formats and features of work in TV-confixes and smart TV

If you've ever looked into the specifications of a Xiaomi TV or set-top box, you've probably heard of a video encoder, which is the component that handles and compresses video streams. But what is it in practice? Why do some models support H.265 and others only H.264? And how does that affect image quality, data rate, and compatibility with external devices?

In fact, a video encoder is not just hardware, but a whole set of hardware and software solutions that determine how effectively your TV or Mi Box will decode 4K video, stream from YouTube or play movies from an external drive. In this article, we will understand how video encoders are built in Xiaomi devices, what formats they support, and why sometimes even a powerful processor does not save from the brakes when playing video.

Spoiler: If you’re planning to buy a Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 or a Mi Box S, knowing the nuances of a video encoder will help you avoid the frustration of “unsupported format” or artifacts when viewing high-resolution content.

What is a video encoder and how it works in Xiaomi devices

A video encoder (or video decoder) is a specialized chip or software module that is responsible for compressing and decompressing the video stream. In the context of Xiaomi equipment, we are mainly talking about hardware decoders built into Amlogic, MediaTek or Qualcomm processors, which are used in the brand’s TVs and consoles.

The main task of a video encoder is to convert compressed video (for example, a film in.mkv format with H.265) into a signal that is understandable to the screen. Without it, your TV simply would not be able to reproduce most modern formats - it would only "see" raw data, like a text file without extension.

In Xiaomi devices, video encoders are integrated into the main chipset, for example:

• 📺 Mi TVs TV Q2/Q1E Use MediaTek processors MT9611/MT9638 supportive H.265 10-bit, VP9 and AV1 (new models).
• 🎮 The Mi Box S and Mi Box 4K equipped with Amlogic chips S905X or S905X3, supportive H.265, But they don't always get through it. AV1.
• 📱 Xiaomi Miracast smartphones can stream video to your TV, but the quality depends on the codec that supports the receiving device.

It's important to understand that not all codecs are the same, H.265 (HEVC) Video compression is 2 times more efficient than H.264 (AVC), broadcasting 4K-content with less network load, but if your TV doesn't support H.265, piece 4K-The film will either not be played or will be converted on the fly with loss of quality.

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If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t play video from an external drive, check not only the container format (.mp4,.mkv), but also the codec! Use MediaInfo utility (free for Windows/macOS) to find out the exact file settings.

What video codecs support Xiaomi TVs and consoles

The list of supported codecs depends on the model and year of release of the device. Below is the current table for popular Xiaomi devices (data for 2026):

Pay attention to a few key points:

• 🔍 AV1 — The most modern codec, but supported only in new models (for example, Mi). TV Q2). It is used by YouTube for 8K- Videos save traffic by 30% compared to H.265.
• ⚠️ 10-bit HDR support H.265 10-bit or VP9 Profile 2: If your TV only supports your TV 8-bit, piece HDR-The content will be reproduced with loss of color depth.
• 📦 Containers (.mkv,.mp4,.ts) are not codecs! Inside.mkv can be video in H.265 or AV1, The TV cannot support the container itself.

A critical feature of the Mi Box consoles: they often do not cope with the AV1 Even in new models. 4K-YouTube content via the set-top box, the video can automatically switch to VP9 bitrate.

How to Check Which Video Encoder Is Used in Your Xiaomi Device

If you’re not sure if your TV or Xiaomi console supports the right codec, there are a few ways to know:

1. Through TV settings: Go to Settings → About TV → Technical information. Some models (e.g. Mi TV Q2) show the chipset and supported formats.
2. Through Test Video Playback: Download test files with different codecs (e.g. here) and try to play them back. If the video is with artifacts or not running, the codec is not supported.
3. Through third-party apps: Install Kodi or VLC from Google Play (for Mi Box) – these show which codec is used when playing.

For the Mi Box, you can also use the adb command to learn the details of the chipset:

adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo

The output will indicate the processor family (e.g., Amlogic S905X) for which specifications can be found on the manufacturer’s website.

Download test files from H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1

Connect USB-TV-storage

Try to play each file back.

Run Kodi/VLC for detailed information

Check the settings "About TV"-->

Common problems with video encoders in Xiaomi and how to solve them

Even if your Xiaomi device supports the right codec, there may be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If during reproduction 4K-Video on the Mi Box S appear "squares" or stuttering, the problem may not be in the codec, and in insufficient bandwidth HDMI-Try a cable that supports it. HDMI 2.1.

• 🎬 Video not played: Check the codec through MediaInfo. AV1, If you have an old model, convert it to H.265.
• 🔊 Sound is there, video is not: The TV may not support a codec profile (e.g., the TV does not support a codec profile, H.265 Main10 Try changing your profile when converting.
• 🐢 Video brakes: Reduce bitrate (target value for 4K: 20-30 Mbps for H.265). Or use Plex with transcoding on the server.
• 🖥️ The Mi Box does not show any signs. 4K YouTube: YouTube automatically selects AV1 for 4K, But Mi Box S doesn't support it. AV1 (in the web version: Settings → Quality. → Additionally).

If the problem is not solved, try updating the firmware of the TV or consoles. In new versions of the software, Xiaomi often adds support for additional codecs. For example, in the update for the Mi TV Q2 from March 2026, there was a full support for AV1 for Disney+.

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Video conversion isn't always the solution, for example, AV1 to H.265 can increase file size by 30-40%, better check compatibility in advance, or use an external player like Kodi.

Comparing Xiaomi video encoders with competitors: who is better?

To understand how good video encoders are in Xiaomi devices, compare them with the main competitors – Samsung, LG and Sony:

As you can see from the table, Xiaomi lags behind the flagships of Samsung and LG Maximum bitrate and premium format support, such as Dolby Atmos, but in the budget segment (up to 50,000). ₽) Mi TVs TV Offer the best ratio of price and video encoder capabilities.

Xiaomi’s main advantage is flexibility. For example, you can install a Kodi or VLC on the Mi Box that supports more codecs than a standard player, and Mi TVs have an “Engineer Mode” mode (Settings → About TV → Click 5 times on Model) where you can manually turn on experimental codecs.

The future of video encoders in Xiaomi: what to expect in new models

In 2026-2026, Xiaomi plans several key updates in the field of video encoders:

• 🆕 Full support AV1: Already in Mi. TV Q3 (Expected in 2026) will be hardware decoding AV1 All streaming services, including Netflix and Prime Video.
• 🎮 Gaming codecs: New MediaTek Pentonic chipsets (e.g, MT9653) receive support VVC (H.266) — codec 8K and cloud-gaming.
• 🔄 AI-Upscale: Xiaomi HyperOS technology will use AI to improve real-time video (e.g. conversion) 1080p into 4K minimally artifacted).

There are also improvements in consoles: the next generation of the Mi Box (possibly the Mi Box 5) should get the Amlogic S928X chipset with support for AV1 and 8K@60fps.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a Xiaomi TV "in reserve", pay attention to the year of release of the chipset. MT9611 (2020 is no longer the current requirement for AV1 And Dolby Vision, which is the best choice for 2026. MT9638 or newer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video encoders in Xiaomi