What Is Video Transcoding? Explained Simply
Learn what video transcoding is, how it works, and why it's essential for streaming platforms, content delivery, and playback compatibility.
What makes it possible for you to view the same Netflix show on your smartphone in a cab and pick up the same show on a 4K TV at home? And that too without any falter? Have you ever wondered? This magical technology is video transcoding.
Today's viewers watch videos across various devices. It makes video transcoding a necessity. Content creators, platforms, and publishers must harmonise with technology to boost performance, combat compatibility issues, and provide a quality viewing experience to meet the rising demands.
This article explains what video transcoding is, how it works, and its various types and tools. Let’s understand why video transcoding is the unsung hero of digital video distribution.
What is Video Transcoding?
Video transcoding is the act of converting a video file so its format, resolution, or bitrate fits the range of devices and platforms the audience might use. Different players and networks speak different “languages,” so transcoding customizes the file so it plays seamlessly everywhere.
The work starts by decoding the original video into a raw, uncompressed state and ends by encoding it into the target format. Transcoding goes beyond simple format change: it can shrink file size, lower resolution for mobile screens, or create several bitrate copies for adaptive streaming.
This flexibility is vital for OTT platforms and streaming services, which strive to deliver a steady, high-quality picture no matter the viewer’s device or internet connection.
Difference Between Encoding and Transcoding
- Encoding turns original video and audio into a compressed digital format that’s smaller and more manageable for storage and transfer.
- Transcoding, on the other hand, takes that compressed file and changes it into different formats, bitrates, or resolutions so it works on different devices or networks.
- You usually encode just once, making a master file, while transcoding can happen many times to create many versions, each fine-tuned for a different circumstance.
- When you encode, you select a codec—options like H.265 or VP9—to shrink the media. During transcoding, that already compressed file is adjusted so it plays back correctly no matter the screen or bandwidth.
- So, encoding sets the original media up for the digital world, while transcoding tweaks it to guarantee smooth, reliable playback no matter where it’s delivered.
How Video Transcoding Works?
Let’s understand how video transcoding works.
1. Demultiplexing or Demuxing
Here, video, audio, subtitles, and metadata are separated. These are initially packed together in one container, such as an MP4. It involves unpacking these components to process them individually.
2. Video Decoding & Post-Processing
Here we decode the compressed, encoded video to translate it into raw, editable frames.
Post-processing involves:
- Modifying the resolution (4K to 1080p)
- Changing the frame rate (smoothening of an ultra-fast video)
- Brightness and control enhancements, or deinterlacing to eliminate flickering in a video.
3. Video Encoding
It is simply compressing raw frames using a specific codec. Standard codecs are H.264, H.265, or AV1. The aim is to compress them without distorting the visual quality. The better the codec, the less space is required for the file without losing quality.
4. Multiplexing (Muxing)
This step is final. All processed elements, including video, audio, and subtitles, are repacked. The new file format is supposed to support the platform for which it is intended. Standard formats are MP4, MOV, or MKV. It ensures that everything plays back in sync, enhancing users’ viewing experience.
Types of Video Transcoding
Let’s understand the different types of video transcoding.
1. Interframe vs. Intraframe Transcoding
In interframe compression, multiple frames are compressed simultaneously, whereas in intraframe compression, each video frame is compressed individually.
The interframe process is complex, as files do not occupy much space, whereas in intraframe editing, editing is easy, but video files require a large amount of space.
2. Lossless vs. Lossy Transcoding
Lossless transcoding keeps all original data without losing quality. However, it results in large files. Lossy transcoding removes data and reduces file size.
3. Audio vs. Video Transcoding
Audio transcoding modifies the sound format or quality. Video transcoding changes the video format, resolution or bitrate. Primarily, both are done simultaneously for a smooth playback.
4. Local vs. Cloud Transcoding
Local transcoding means working on an individual computer. It offers more control, but the work speed is slow. Cloud transcoding uses online servers. They are generally used for large jobs, are fast and offer more scalability.
5. Standard Transcoding
It changes the format or codec of the video and is used to make videos compatible with different devices.
6. Transrating
This type changes the bitrate (the amount of data transmitted per second). It helps the video stream smoothly, regardless of internet speed.
7. Transsizing (Image Scaling)
It resizes the resolution, e.g. from 4K to 1080p. It helps videos adapt to diverse screen sizes and save space.
File Types Used in Video Transcoding
Transcoding refers to the editing of different from one format to the other. It's how the video is played over the web. Different types of files are constructed which work together with the devices and software being used.
Containers like MP4, MKV and MOV are used for easier storage and effective processing. Older formats like AVI and FLV are used for backup and storage. Different files work for different needs for example streaming, compression, and synchronization.
Providers are able to improve viewing quality, user satisfaction, the amount of data used and the video’s quality provided the correct formats are used.
Why Do You Need to Transcode a Video?
Before a streamer shares a video with a worldwide audience, smooth playback and broad platform compatibility usually require some behind-the-scenes file optimization work. That’s where video transcoding steps in for several key reasons:
1. Adapting to Network Conditions
Viewers’ internet speeds vary widely, and not everyone can stream in pristine HD. Transcoding reduces file size and bitrate, allowing the same video to play well even on modest connections. With less data moving over the wire, buffering decreases, and playback stays seamless, no matter how fast the line is.
2. Optimizing File Sizes
Raw 4K footprints can be measured in gigabytes, and too much heft can stall a stream. Transcoding wisely trims excess weight, chopping video into bite-sized pieces. Smaller files load faster and travel easier, especially during adaptive bitrate playback. If a connection dips, the stream simply switches to a lighter version on the fly.
3. Ensuring Multi-Device Support
Today’s audience flips between phones, tablets, laptops, and living-room screens. Each device has its preferred codecs and resolutions, and one size can’t fill every screen. Transcoding takes a single source file and spins it into the diverse set of formats needed, guaranteeing that a video looks and sounds just right, no matter where it’s watched.
4. Improving Playback Experience:
Tweaking settings such as resolution and bitrate as part of the transcoding process fine-tunes the video for the best balance of performance and picture quality. This results in a more fluid playback on lower-powered devices and keeps bandwidth in check.
Also Read: Cloud Transcoding: Effortless Media Processing without Boundaries.
Benefits of Video Transcoding
Video transcoding makes videos look better and play smoothly. It reduces file size, saving storage and upload time. Smaller files also cost less to stream or store. It lets your video work on different devices and internet speeds. So more people can watch it—anywhere, anytime, with ease.
Common Concerns and Considerations
Video transcoding can reduce quality if settings aren't right. It also needs a powerful system as older computers may slow down. The process takes time, especially for large files. Poor buffer management can cause playback issues like freezing or lag. Choosing the wrong export settings may affect compatibility.
Metadata (like titles or tags) can sometimes get lost. If files are moved or renamed, software might not find them, causing relinking problems. So, while transcoding improves video access and performance, it's important to plan ahead and use the right tools.
Video Codecs and Containers
- Video codecs: Similar to zip tools. They compress and decompress video files. It reduces the file size, which makes them easier to play. Standard codecs are H.264, H.265, and AV1.
- Video containers: These are like box-files. They keep the video, audio, subtitles, and more in one package. MP4, MOV, and MKV are popular examples.
Conclusion
To make a video viewable on any screen or anywhere, video transcoding is the key. It helps reduce video file size and improves playback speed. Video transcoding also ensure that videos adapt to different platforms and device screens. Despite time-consuming, video transcoding is essential for a video to run smoothly across all devices.
The demand for high-resolution videos is rising. Audience also expect the videos to be viewed across varied formats, with utmost quality and speed. In addition, large video files are a concerns. To address all these issues, video transcoding is important.
Formats keep on evolving! And that’s where transcoding comes into play to reach wider audience, keeping the content optimised and adaptable to any device and platform. If you want to up the ante in your video transcoding game, Enveu can help you keep ahead in the race.