If you’re in the streaming industry, you might have heard about “transcoding.” It’s an important concept in modern media streaming technologies when there is a wide variety of playback devices and growing online media consumption.
Video businesses that wish to provide an improved experience need to pay attention to video quality, and here is where transcoding plays a crucial role; let’s explore more to know why transcoding is an important element for streaming.
What is Transcoding?
Transcoding refers to the process of converting video files from one format or resolution to another. This process involves changing the video’s codec (the method used to compress and decompress the data), bitrate, resolution, and sometimes even the format itself. Essentially, transcoding allows a video file to be played back on different devices and networks without sacrificing quality or performance.
For example, a video shot in 4K resolution might be transcoded to 1080p, 720p, or even lower resolutions to accommodate users with slower internet speeds or lower-capacity devices. This ensures that viewers can enjoy content smoothly, regardless of their connection or hardware.
What is Cloud Transcoding?
Cloud transcoding is the process of converting a video file into distinct formats entirely in the cloud. In simple words, transcoding means creating new files in different resolutions, sizes, and bitrates from a single encoded video file. Cloud transcoding is an umbrella term that simply describes both the transcoding and encoding process, which takes place in the “Cloud” rather than with the piece of equipment.
Cloud transcoding facilitates broadcasters to deliver video content in multi-bitrates and qualities. Adaptive bitrate/ cloud transcoding player duo will automatically select the appropriate rendition for every one of your viewers based on the internet strength.
The benefit of using an HTML5 online video player with built-in cloud transcoding is that you do not have to rely on external software and devices to carry transcoding or encoding. This streamlines the whole process.
As per the report, OTT broadcasters risk a revenue loss of 25% when their streaming quality is compromised. Encoding and transcoding are the two most important procedures that enable the streaming media industry to maintain high-quality streams. Novel technology and cloud transcoding, streamline that process for the media distributors and broadcasters.
Top Reasons Justifying the Use of Cloud Video Transcoding
Online video consumption is changing the media landscape. Video streaming viewing increased from 19% to 25% in Q4 2019 and Q2 2022. With the availability of high-speed mobile internet connection and mobile devices, more people are turning to small cell phone screens.
There were around 175 million mobile media viewers in the US in 2019, which means one in every two Americans. Regarding video streaming, transcoding proves to be an essential concept. Cloud transcoding has become important, solving the complications of video formats today. Let’s check more on ways that help us know how cloud transcoding can boost the online broadcasting experience.
Ensure All-Device Compatibility
Lots of existing formats are not compatible with streaming video content. H.264-encoded files are the gold standard for online video in an MP4 container with AAC audio. More than 96% of browsers support H.264, which remains the dominant codec, and nothing comes close.
Cloud transcoding is a file format that transcodes automatically into H.264, with AAC audio, in an MP4 container. It does everything automatically, with no technical knowledge needed on your part.
After the cloud transcoding, these uploaded files can be enjoyed on any device, including smartphones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, laptops, desktops, etc. Moreover, all-device compatibility guarantees that playback is immaculate on each screen type.
Adaptive Playback
Generally speaking, you can choose the best quality possible when you record video, resulting in a huge digital file. The problem for users with this is bad internet connections. The internet speeds might not be fast enough to playback video files in real-time.
The solution is adaptive video playback. Adaptive playback means your online streaming platform keeps multiple copies of each video file. Users with good internet connections can receive a high-quality video copy, whereas people with bad internet connections will get a lower-quality copy.
In short, adaptive playback results in little buffering, a good experience, and a fast start time for both low and high-end connections. It is ideal for situations when users have fluctuating network conditions; this is mostly when watching videos during your journey.
Adaptive playback highly depends on the cloud transcoding to create quality levels or multiple “renditions” for each video file. This process can be automated with cloud transcoding helping to save effort and time.
Better Allocates Resources
It is possible to transcode all the video streaming content on computers in the facilities or offices. This method can incur unwanted costs, while one more advantage is it eliminates the expenses associated with in-house transcoding. Cloud transcoding decreases costs due to renewing and purchasing hardware and software.
It helps to decrease the operating expenditures associated with platform operations, not just ongoing support but floor space, human technician support, and electricity as well. With an in-house transcoding system, you should meet maximum process needs at peak times. For example, you can transcode HFR, 4K, and HDR digital video files.
Have you ever wondered what happens if you want to transcode six videos simultaneously? What happens when you have to transcode a dozen or two dozen videos on a tight deadline? In a serious environment, you must scale your transcoding capacity to meet peak demands.
This is challenging when every expansion needs buying and sourcing new equipment, connecting it to the network, setting up streaming software, etc. In contrast, Cloud transcoding uses massive data and is scalable to possible peak loads. This enables you to keep reasonable costs, even if your peak processing needs are high.
Encoding Vs. Transcoding: How Do They Differ?
In today’s digital age, video streaming has become a cornerstone of entertainment, education, and business communications. Whether you’re watching movies on a video streaming platform like Netflix, attending a virtual event, or hosting a live stream, the success of these activities relies heavily on one crucial element: transcoding. But what exactly is transcoding, and why is it so essential for a seamless streaming experience? Let’s dive deeper into this topic.
Both terms are quite similar to each other. Transcoding and encoding have to do with transforming video files to make them streamable; the terms are wrongly used but aren’t the same.
Video encoding is the process of video editing and production where the video is prepared for output; the digital content is encoded to meet proper specifications and formats for recording and playback through video encoder software.
Video encoding converts the non-streamable files from the camera into a digital content format that can be streamed over the web. However, transcoding refers to creating copies of video files in various sizes. These compressed files are termed “renditions.”
The primary idea behind making multiple renditions is that various internet speeds can handle different-sized files. A large video requires faster internet speeds compared to a smaller one.
If streamers have slow internet speed and want to stream a large video file, the quality wouldn’t be excellent. Buffering, lagging, and skipping make it difficult to watch. Streamers can choose smaller video files to avoid these quality issues.
How to Transcode Video on Playnow?
Playnow makes video upload, managing, and everything easier. However, it also makes transcoding easier and simpler. You just have to follow a few simple steps to initiate the process.
- Upload the video file
- Determine which video is transcoded in the VOD
- You can get original video formats to convert from formats like m4v, mov, mkv, avi, flv, VOB, 3gp & mpg to .mp4 video codec – H264) format utilizing FFMPEG.
Once the video is transcoded, it’s stored in the server from the low resolution to the original resolution.
Ending Note
Transcoding is undeniably a crucial element for any successful streaming platform. By adapting video content to different resolutions, formats, and bitrates, transcoding ensures an optimized experience for every viewer, no matter their device or internet connection. It also plays a vital role in reducing latency, managing bandwidth, and enabling global content delivery, making it essential for live streams and video-on-demand platforms alike.
For businesses, content creators, and broadcasters looking to thrive in the competitive world of streaming, investing in robust transcoding technology is a must. Not only does it improve user experience, but it also maximizes the reach and monetization potential of your content.
In essence, transcoding isn’t just about converting files—it’s about future-proofing your streaming platform and ensuring you deliver the best experience possible to every viewer, on any device, anywhere in the world.
FAQs: Transcoding in Streaming
What is adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR)?
ABR is a technology that adjusts the quality of a video stream in real-time based on the viewer’s internet connection speed. Transcoding is key to ABR, as it enables the streaming platform to offer multiple versions of the same content at different bitrates, ensuring uninterrupted viewing.
Does transcoding reduce video quality?
Not necessarily. While transcoding may lower the resolution or bitrate to accommodate slower connections, the goal is to deliver the best possible viewing experience.
How does transcoding help with live streaming?
In live streaming, transcoding converts the live feed into multiple resolutions and bitrates in real-time. This allows viewers with varying internet speeds to access the stream at a suitable quality level, minimizing latency and buffering issues.
Is transcoding necessary for all streaming platforms?
Yes, transcoding is vital for most streaming platforms, especially those catering to a large and diverse audience with varying devices, internet speeds, and preferences. It ensures that content is accessible, scalable, and optimized for the best user experience.
What types of content need transcoding?
Any type of video or audio content—whether it’s live streams, on-demand videos, or even podcasts—can benefit from transcoding. Transcoding is especially important for platforms hosting live events, video-on-demand (VOD), or global broadcasts.
How does transcoding save bandwidth?
By offering lower bitrate versions of video content to users with slower internet speeds, transcoding reduces the amount of data required for playback. This helps in optimizing bandwidth usage while still maintaining an acceptable level of quality for the viewer.
Can transcoding handle multiple streaming protocols?
Yes, transcoding can convert video content to support different streaming protocols, such as HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming), or RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol). This ensures compatibility across various platforms and devices.