Statistics say that nearly 90% of the viewers watch videos on mobile. Many viewers use various devices, browsers, and diverse internet bandwidth ranges to stream videos online. To ensure that the videos are viewable to all those viewers, you need to transcode your videos. But what is transcoding? How does it work? In this blog, we will walk you through all that and more! Continue reading
If you are into the video streaming business or use videos for business purposes, you must know about Video Transcoding and its importance! Because transcoding is pivotal for any type of video streaming, from streaming platforms to simple business videos!
Basically, video transcoding is the process of converting a video file from one format to another. This might be done for multiple reasons. You can do transcoding to reduce the file size, change the video quality, or make it compatible with different devices or software.
For example, you might transcode a video from a high-definition format to a lower resolution to save space on your phone.
In video streaming, transcoding converts videos into different formats and qualities to match viewers’ devices and internet speeds. This is critical for ensuring adaptive streaming, smooth playback, and reducing buffering. It helps deliver the best possible video experience based on each viewer’s setup.
But what is transcoding? And, exactly which steps are involved in video transcoding? In this blog, we will walk you through all of that and more!
As we told you before, video transcoding is the process of converting a video file from one format or one video quality to another. It is easier to understand this way, but technically it involves a complex process.
Transcoding involves decoding the original video and then encoding it into a new format or video resolution. For example, you have uploaded a 4K video, but you want to distribute it to your viewers in multiple resolutions, ranging from 720p to 4K.
To do so, the transcoding software will first decode your original 4K video, and then re-encode it into 720p or any other video resolution. Similarly, you can change the format of your video too!
So basically you can say that transcoding helps in delivering multiple renditions of your original video file.
The end goal of transcoding is to make the video compatible with different devices or to optimize it for specific needs, such as reducing file size or improving playback performance.
But one particularly important function of transcoding is to enable adaptive bitrate streaming. Let’s explore it in more detail.
Transcoding is especially important for adaptive bitrate streaming or ABR. Many streaming services use adaptive streaming formats to enhance the viewer’s experience. Actually, adaptive streaming adjusts video quality in real time based on the viewer’s internet speed and device performance.
It means when you will play a video, your video quality will be automatically adjusted to ensure smooth playback and negligible buffering. But for that, it requires multiple versions of the same video, each at different resolutions and bitrates. This is where transcoding comes into play.
During the encoding and transcoding process, the original video is broken down into multiple bite-sized segments, and each segment is then converted into multiple segments of different resolutions and bitrates. All of these versions are made available on the server.
During playback, the streaming service dynamically selects the most appropriate version based on the viewer’s internet speed and device capabilities.
If a viewer’s internet connection slows down, the service can switch to a lower-quality version of the video to prevent buffering. Conversely, if the connection improves, it can provide a higher-quality version, delivering the best possible viewing experience.
The video transcoding process basically takes place via software or hardware. Many times, transcoding systems remain built-in within the cloud servers or streaming platforms.
The process involves multiple steps. Let’s take you through these steps one by one.
In the very first step of video transcoding, two main inputs are required:
Once the input file and related information are received, the file analysis begins. This step involves the following processes:
The second step involves decoding the original video and audio files. It involves the following steps:
The next step involves rigorous processing of the uncompressed video and audio data. It usually involves the following steps:
After processing, editing, and quality adjustment, it’s time for re-encoding. The encoding process takes place as follows:
This is the final stage of transcoding where the final video file is verified to ensure that it is in desired delivery format. The system also checks the output file for any errors or issues, such as playback problems, synchronization issues between video and audio, or artifacts introduced during encoding.
After verification, the metadata is inserted into the file. It usually consists of details such as title, description, and technical specifications. This step is important for organizing and managing video files, especially for distribution.
Once everything is done, the final file is prepared for distribution. In the case of cloud transcoding, the distribution process usually involves uploading the file to content delivery networks or CDNs.
Well, by the name of it, you might have guessed that it is software that performs transcoding. And in that case, you are right!
Transcoding software is designed to convert media files from one format to another. In other words, it is software that performs most of the steps we discussed above.
For example, you might use transcoding software to:
Common examples of transcoding software include HandBrake, FFmpeg, and Adobe Media Encoder.
And in some video management platforms like Muvi Flex, you don’t need separate software for transcoding. Because Muvi Flex has a built-in encoding and transcoding engine. So, whenever you upload a video to Muvi Flex, it automatically encodes and transcodes the video to multiple encoding profiles.
Transcoding can be done via both software and hardware. But which one will be best for your business? And how are they different from each other? Let’s find it out in the table given below:
Aspects | Hardware Transcoding | Software Transcoding |
Performance | Generally faster due to specialized hardware. | Typically slower as it relies on a general-purpose CPU. |
Efficiency | More efficient, reducing system resource usage. | Less efficient, and can use more CPU and system resources. |
Cost | Higher due to the need for specialized hardware. | Lower, as it uses existing CPU and software. |
Scalability | Better at handling multiple concurrent tasks. | May struggle with high volumes or complex tasks. |
Format Flexibility | Limited. It supports certain formats and codecs. | High. It supports a wider range of formats and codecs. |
Compatibility | Limited. May require specific hardware or drivers. | Very High. Compatible with most devices and operating systems. |
Update and Customization | It is less flexible, so hardware updates are less frequent. | It is easier to update and customize with new software versions. |
Examples | NVIDIA NVENC, Intel Quick Sync Video. | FFmpeg, HandBrake |
Video Transcoding can be mainly of three types:
But all of them have different use cases and characteristics. So, let’s take a deeper look at them one by one.
It is the most common and standard form of transcoding that simply converts media files from one format to another. Technically, it involves re-encoding the file, which can change both the format and the codec used for encoding the media.
You can use standard transcoding for:
Standard transcoding involves the following:
Transrating or bitrate transcoding involves altering the bitrate of a media file while keeping the same format. Hence it will give you video in a different bitrate without changing the format. This process mainly affects the file’s quality and size.
You can use it for:
Transsizing refers to changing the size or resolution of a media file. It often involves resizing the video frame or changing the resolution while keeping the format the same.
It can be used for:
Transcoding is super important for smooth streaming because it makes sure your content looks great no matter what device or connection you’re using.
To do so, it transforms videos into the right format for your device, whether you’re watching on a phone, tablet, or smart TV. Plus, it adjusts the quality based on your internet speed, so you get the best experience without constant buffering.
Whether you have a high-speed connection or are on a slower mobile network, transcoding helps keep your streaming enjoyable by managing file sizes and resolutions. It’s like having a personal assistant that makes sure your video fits perfectly with your screen and connection.
And it is not just for streaming and entertainment videos. It is true for business videos too!
Yes, even if you use videos for business purposes like training, sales, and marketing, transcoding will always be beneficial. This is because even the training and marketing videos can be huge in size at times. And your customers and employees can also use multiple devices including mobile phones to stream them!
So, if you transcode these videos, it will ensure less buffering and smooth playback. Hence, your training and marketing efforts will be more effective with enhanced user experience. This will directly lead to more lead generation and growth of your business.
Video transcoding offers several major benefits that enhance the overall video streaming and viewing experience. Some of the benefits are:
When it comes to video transcoding, the chances of losing video quality are also quite high. So, you need to make sure that transcoding is performed correctly.
Following best practices can significantly enhance the quality, efficiency, and compatibility of your video content:
Muvi Flex is one of the leading enterprise video management platforms that offers a built-in encoding and transcoding engine. This means that whenever you upload any video to Muvi Flex, it gets automatically encoded and transcoded.
Muvi Flex supports multiple encoding profiles and multiple resolutions. It also supports adaptive bitrate streaming. That is why, you can always rest assured that your end users will be able to view your videos as smoothly as possible, irrespective of their internet bandwidth or device type.
No doubt that video transcoding is a must-have part if you are dealing with video streaming. But at the same time, it is quite complex to understand and execute. While a video transcoding solution is a must-have for your video platform, the task of choosing the right one is not so easy.
If you are looking for a video management platform that offers built-in encoding and transcoding, then Muvi Flex can be the perfect solution for you! Muvi Flex automatically performs encoding and transcoding of the uploaded video to ensure smooth playback.
And that’s not all! Multi-DRM ensures your video remains protected from piracy. You can easily create playlists and share links via HLS.
You can try Muvi Flex for FREE for 14 days. No credit card required. Click here to get started!
Transcoding converts media from one format or codec to another, changing both encoding and compression.
Compression reduces the file size of media. It can involve re-encoding to a more efficient format or simply reducing the quality.
Transmuxing changes the container format without altering the codec or quality of the media inside.
Hence, each of these three process serves different needs: transcoding for format compatibility, compression for file size reduction, and transmuxing for container format adjustments.
Just like video streaming and management, transcoding is used to convert video files from one format or codec to another in video editing too! It is done to ensure compatibility with editing software or to meet specific project requirements. Transcoding ensures that the video can be edited smoothly and exported in the desired format.
Two-pass VBR in transcoding performs an initial analysis pass to gauge bitrate needs before performing a second pass to apply this data for optimal bitrate allocation. Hence, it improves the overall video quality. It allocates more bitrate to complex scenes and less to simpler ones. This results in consistent output with fewer artifacts, and efficient file size management.
Muvi Flex offers a built-in encoding and transcoding engine that automatically encodes and transcodes all the uploaded videos. It ensures smooth playback of video across devices and internet bandwidth ranges.
Written by: Debarpita Banerjee
Debarpita is a Content Writer with Muvi. With around 2 years of experience in content creation, she has worked across industries like SaaS, EdTech, eLearning, AR-VR, and Metaverse. She believes in delivering content that can be of some value to the readers. In her free time, she likes to try her hand at website and app development.
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