topic Re: i.MX 93 H.264 encoder/decoder capability in i.MX Processors

i.MX 93 H.264 encoder/decoder capability

kensu — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:19:19 GMT

I know the i.MX93 doesn't have a hardware encoder or decoder.

I would like to know the H.264 software decoding and encoding capabilities of i.mx93 in a Linux environment.

My target is 720P60.

Is it possible?

Regards

Ken

Re: i.MX 93 H.264 encoder/decoder capability

Rita_Wang — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 02:25:52 GMT

Hi Kensu,

@kensu I have confirmed it for you that the i.MX93 cannot stably implement 720p60 H.264 software encoding and decoding.

For encode:

Software code 720p60 is almost impossible to implement.

For decode:The Cortex-A55 dual core can barely handle 720p60 H.264 decoding at high frequencies (~1.7GHz), but:

Need to use NEON optimized FFmpeg or GStreamer.
Very sensitive to video complexity (bitrate, profile).
In practical applications, it is easy to experience frame drops or lag, especially when the system has other tasks.

Do do not recommend to you use it.

If you really need realized the 720p60 encoding or decoding, you can consider the SoC supporting hardware encoding and decoding, such as i.MX8MP or i.MX8MQ.

Hope this can do help for you

Wish you have a nice day

Best Regards

Rita

Re: i.MX 93 H.264 encoder/decoder capability

kensu — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:35:10 GMT

Hi Rita

Thanks for your information, I understood now.
I should select MCU with HW encoder/decoder engine.

Regards
Ken

Re: i.MX 93 H.264 encoder/decoder capability

Rita_Wang — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:07:05 GMT

Hi @kensu ,

You are welcome.

Wish you have a nice day

Best Regards

Rita

Re: i.MX 93 H.264 encoder/decoder capability

wenjie — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:23:20 GMT

Dear Rita

May I ask you，Can the i.MX93 reliably achieve lower WVGA (800*480) resolution at 30fps for software encoding and decoding?

Wenjie