I actually prefer x264 encoded video even though it results in much larger file sizes. Although HEVC has lower bitrate for supposedly same quality, my needs aren't constrained enough where I have to go for HEVC.

I hope AV1 doesn't lower the quality aspect since it is focused on being a primarily streaming codec with most of the companies being streaming focused (Google, Netflix, Amazon and Vidyo) and them focusing on better compression rate.

If I recall correctly HEVC was also meant to be a streaming codec and I feel like that lead to the lower quality compared to h264. It just doesn't feel that sharp although it is supposed to be 1080p. The blurring aspect is especially bad.

I don't think AOMedia guys will blow it though. I feel like they have a lot more expertise since there are people from multiple codecs (VP9, Daala, etc.) contributing to this.