The Intel Video Processing Library GPU Runtime “VPL-GPU-RT” as the run-time component to the Intel VPL API for video processing with a variety of video encoders/decoders and filters is preparing to end mainline support for Intel graphics prior to Tiger Lake.
The Intel VPL GPU Runtime has back-ends for the Intel Video Processing Library (VPL) and the Intel Media SDK. The Intel Media SDK is used for platforms from DG1 and Tigerlake back through Broadwell integrated graphics. The Intel VPL code meanwhile supports Tigerlake and DG1 through all current and future Intel graphics platforms.
Released this morning was the Intel VPL GPU Runtime 2025Q1 release. There’s improved AV1 decoding performance, fixing AV1 / AVC / HEVC decoding crash issue, and property-based query support. But it also notes in the release announcement:
“VPL GPU Runtime version 25.1.4 is the final release to include the MediaSDK package within the MediaStack.tar.gz file. Starting with version 25.2, the MediaSDK package will no longer be available. If you require the MediaSDK package, you can still download it from earlier releases.”
As mentioned the Intel Media SDK is needed for supporting Intel integrated graphics prior to Tiger Lake that aren’t handled by Intel VPL.
This move isn’t really surprising though. The Intel Media SDK itself was already in an end-of-life state by Intel. The Intel Media SDK GitHub repository was marked archived in 2023 and carrying the notice that the project is discontinued and no longer maintained by Intel.
At least the 2025Q1 release and prior remain available for download for those who care about Intel VPL GPU Runtime support on older Intel integrated graphics but moving forward your mileage may vary with the Intel Media SDK itself not being maintained on its own either. By now upgrading to newer integrated (or discrete) graphics can yield much better performance and far greater power efficiency.
