# Steam Remote Play Gets Visual Boost with New Codec

> Steam's new Pyrowave codec offers sharper streaming for those with high bandwidth.
- Title: Steam Remote Play Gets Visual Boost with New Codec · PCMAG
- Summary: Steam's new Pyrowave codec offers sharper streaming for those with high bandwidth. Valve's Pyrowave codec improves Steam Remote Play visuals with up to…
- Keywords: steam, pyrowave, remote play, bandwidth, valve, gigabit ethernet, hdr, technology, Remote, Play, Gets, Visual
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/steam-remote-play-streaming-visual-upgrade-if-you-have-bandwidth
- Author: Jon Martindale
- Published: 2026-09-22T13:15:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: steam, pyrowave, remote play, bandwidth, valve, gigabit ethernet, hdr, technology
## New Steam Codec Boosts Streaming
Valve introduced Pyrowave codec for Steam Remote Play.
## 5-10x Bandwidth Efficiency
Pyrowave uses 5-10x more bandwidth than existing codecs.
## Ultra-Low Latency
Pyrowave supports ultra-low latency with HDR and YUV 4:4:4.
## Bandwidth Requirements
Requires Gigabit Ethernet; won't work well over Wi-Fi.
## How to Enable
Enable in Steam settings under client beta participation.
## What Happens Next
Users need high bandwidth to experience improved streaming quality.
## Key takeaway

Valve's Pyrowave codec improves Steam Remote Play visuals with up to 500Mbps streaming, but requires Gigabit Ethernet.