Are you planning to enter the video broadcasting or streaming industry? If so, most of you might get overwhelmed and confused with all the terminologies circulating in this world. That is why we are here to help you explain the possible solutions available for encoding your content streaming.
Do you need an encoder, decoder, transcoder? Do you need software (iptv server software for example) or hardware? To help you further understand the concept of content or video streaming. Read on to know more.
Defining Video Encoding
Video encoding comes in two different types: file-based and live video encodings. Thus, you know the difference between the two. When we say live video encoding, it refers to the action of compacting audio files and raw, large videos. Through this, the file will only require lesser network bandwidth.
In terms of transforming uncompressed raw files, it will require more data. Compression is an ideal way to reduce the bandwidth needed by the file. This process is helpful considering the problem with bandwidth efficiency. In line with that, you can easily send files or video streams through the public internet or any constrained network.
When it comes to video files instead of living video, video encoders tend to reduce and compress the video size. Through this, the file will not take a lot of space. Aside from that, you can send the video file way easier.
Video encoders can achieve this compression level by using codec – a type of video compression algorithm. Codecs can help encoders to reduce the video content data by up to 1,000 times.
Video encoding is essential in video streaming as it helps in reducing the bandwidth of a raw video by compressing the content. Through this, sending the video can be done easily and more conveniently. Aside from that, it will not affect the video quality, which means you can maintain viewer satisfaction.
There are two types of encoders: hardware and software encoders. When we say hardware encoders, these are pre-integrated devices that come with processing power designed for low latency encoding. On the other hand, software encoders are also a set of devices that need to be integrated with various hardware resources and CPUs. The good thing about software encoders is that they can be installed on virtual machines or off-the-shelf hardware in cloud platforms or data centers.
Defining Video Decoding
Video decoding is the opposite of live decoding. This process refers to uncompressing or decoding the already encoded real-time video. For screen display, a video decoder will convert pre-encoded video content to HDMI. On the other hand, the encoded video will be decoded to SDI for video production switchers.
Aside from encoded video contents, audio tracks can also be decoded by video decoders for sound production. Beyond that, audio track decoding is being done for closed captioning, subtitles, time codes, and video formatting.
Defining Video Transcoding
If you don’t know yet, video transcoding is a step of transforming an already encoded video content or audio track from size to size or format to format. One of the good things about video transcoding is that transcoders can transcode either file-based or real-time videos.
There are two steps that most transcoders use in re-encoding and decoding. The first step requires the transcoder to decode the original video source into a mezzanine, which is a type of intermediate format. The second step includes re-encoding and resizing the video to different formats. The format will vary depending on the type of device that will be used by the end viewers.
There are different transcoders that can also do the job of encoders. This is possible if they will accept a fresh, uncompressed video stream, including SDI, and encode it into different formats.
OTT services are a common application used by several video transcoders because they are more likely to re-encode quality sources into a host of resolutions and bitrates for MPEG-DASH, HLS, and other adaptive bitrate streaming protocols.
Through this, one video source can be transported into various viewing devices, including mobile phones, computers, and televisions. Beyond that, viewers can watch the video content on YouTube, Facebook, and other social media platforms that offer video streaming services.
Video transcoding is important, especially if you are dreaming of expanding the reach or increasing the number of users that will access your content.
For instance, you want to do a live stream in your office. There is a high chance that you will use Adobe Flash or any other browser-based desktop application in capturing video and audio tracks. Generally, Adobe Flash is the most-used application as it can generate Speex audio and 1080p high-quality video.
Of course, your live stream will be viewed by many online viewers. The problem is that streaming it live might cause issues, such as the following:
- Most viewers need to install Flash Player on their laptop or desktop computer to deliver the Speex audio. At this time, anyone with tablets, slow data connection, and mobile phones will be excluded as a viewer of your live stream.
- Those viewers with insufficient bandwidth cannot watch your live stream. The only thing they can view is the ‘buffering’ circle.
But video transcoding allows you to prepare real-time live streams available in a multitude of frame sizes and bitrates. Aside from that, transcoding also enables you to convert AAC audio from Speex audio. Video transcoding is internet-friendly. Beyond that, it allows you to reach a number of viewers around the globe.
Conclusion
All company owners want to monetize their streaming content. If you are one of them, you need to thoroughly understand anything related to video encoding before building your own IPTV streaming service. As mentioned, video encoding compresses original video content into a more usable format that takes less bandwidth.
We know that familiarizing yourself with these terms could be quite difficult, especially for newcomers in the content streaming industry. But there’s nothing to worry about since we are now finally here. We will guide you to make more profit by just streaming your content. Beyond that, we will also assist you throughout your journey in video encoding, decoding, and transcoding.
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