Video delivery is a complicated process. It includes multiple stages to transfer a video from a camera to an end user’s device and provide a smooth viewing experience. Above all, there are encoding, transcoding, and decoding processes involved. Let’s observe each one in detail.
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What is Video Encoding?
A video encoder takes a video signal and converts it into an IP stream. Basically, an encoder takes information and compresses it by 1000 times in real-time so that it takes less storage space. As a result, the video is easily transferred via the Internet.
Video encoders use particular algorithms — codecs — to compress video files, such as H.264, H.265, and VP9. Codec is short for compression and decompression. Codecs are necessary for making the bitrate small enough for streaming. After the compression process, the delivery starts with the help of a protocol that divides a video into small chunks.
An encoder can be software installed on a particular computer or hardware with its own processing power.
What is Video Transcoding?
Transcoding means converting a video file from one format to another, changing the size, bitrate, or other parameters. Transcoders are used by OTT or IPTV services in order to reach more devices.
For example, not all devices need a high-resolution video. So, it can be transcoded into a lower-resolution format so that the playback is smoother on a smartphone.
IPTV transcoder software takes a compressed video file and decodes it into an uncompressed format. After that, it encodes the file into a format the receiving device can play. As a result, video content providers can reach more devices and, consequently, more people ensuring a high-quality video delivery.
What is Video Decoding?
Video decoding is uncompressing an encoded video file so that it can be played on a receiving device. A decoder also works with embedded audio tracks and metadata on video formatting, codes, subtitles, and other things.
Usually, a video player performs the decoding process. But sometimes, a set-top box or a console can be decoders as well.
Video Encoding vs. Transcoding
The terms “transcoding” and “encoding” are often used interchangeably. But there is a difference between them.
Encoding is compressing an initial RAW video file after it has been captured, while transcoding is the process of converting this file from one codec to another. Also, transcoding helps a provider create multiple copies of the same video file in various sizes and formats.
Transcoding is what makes streaming on any device possible, even when a person is on the go.
Drawing the Line
Video streaming is on the rise because video streaming services bring a lot of convenience and flexibility to viewers. Traditional television, in comparison, has multiple drawbacks: from fixed schedule to availability only on TV sets. Video streaming services allow people to watch videos whenever and wherever they want.
Services offer applications for multiple devices — mobile phones, tablets, TVs, and computers. People have options: to watch videos in high definition on a TV screen or on a smartphone on the go from anywhere.
Furthermore, online video streaming services allow binge-watching as many videos as viewers want.
Because of such popularity, content providers launch their own streaming services to generate revenue. The competition is high — that’s why you need to ensure smooth video delivery with the help of encoding, transcoding, and decoding.