VLC Media Player 4 demoed with open-source AV2 video codec support
VideoLAN is demoing AV2 video playback inside a VLC 4 build at CES 2026, running on a regular laptop. The on-screen stats panel lists “ AOMedia AV2 Video ” at 1080p, using a 4:2:0 10-bit planar format. VLC 4.0 is still in development, and VideoLAN has not published a 4.0 release yet.
AV2 is the next open video codec from the Alliance for Open Media. AOMedia says AV2 improves compression versus AV1, keeps a royalty-free patent policy, and adds work aimed at use cases like AR/VR, split-screen streams, and screen content.
AOMedia announced AV2 as planned for a year-end release, with member survey results pointing to broad interest once the spec is finalized. VideoLAN is also inviting CES attendees if they want to see the demo.
Feel free to drop links to demos in the comments if you find them.
https://twitter.com/videolan/status/2009025832187252874
Source: VideoLAN
