Flawless streaming via video transcoding and adaptive bitrate

15.11.2024

Introduction

The quality and accessibility of content are the two most essential technical aspects in the world of online video distribution. Naturally, specialized streaming platforms and CDNs (content delivery networks) are widely used for the implementation of reliable online video broadcasting, but one essential element of preparing video content for broadcast often remains neglected or unclear.

This is the so-called adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR), which plays a crucial role in providing a flawless user experience. This technology, combined with efficient video transcoding, allows viewers to enjoy video content without interruptions, regardless of their internet connection speed.

What is adaptive bitrate streaming?

Adaptive bitrate streaming is a video delivery method that automatically adjusts to the user's current network conditions. This means that the video quality is adjusted in real-time to ensure smooth playback without buffering.

The Role of Video Transcoding in ABR

Video transcoding converts the original video into multiple formats with different resolutions and bitrates. This allows the streaming platform to provide the most relevant version of the video for each user.

Basic Steps in the Video Transcoding Process for ABR

1. Encoding with different codecs: Codecs such as H.264, HEVC, or VP9 are used to compress the video.
2. Create multiple profiles: Generate versions of the video with different resolutions and bitrates.
3. Integration with streaming protocols: Protocols such as HLS or MPEG-DASH are used to deliver the adaptive content.

Advantages of using ABR and video transcoding

• Optimal User Experience: With no interruptions or delays, video plays smoothly on all devices.
• Wide Compatibility: Content reaches the audience regardless of internet connection speed or device type.
• Efficient use of resources: Optimizes network and server load by delivering appropriate quality for each user.

Technical aspects

Codes and bitrate

Codecs are algorithms that compress video to reduce file size without significant loss of quality. Bitrate determines the amount of data that is transmitted over a certain period and directly affects the quality of the video.

Difference between transcoding and transmuxing

• Transcoding: Converting the video into different formats, resolutions, and bitrates.
• Transmuxing: Changing the video container without changing the codec itself.

Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR)

ABR uses multiple versions of the same video to provide the most appropriate quality depending on the user's current conditions.

Evolink - your partner in video transcoding

As part of its wide range of video streaming services, Evolink offers automated video transcoding solutions optimized for adaptive bitrate streaming. With our service you get:

• Live and recorded: Automated processes for optimal video transcoding for live broadcasts and recorded video files
• Easy Integration: Built-in integration with Evolink.CDN to publish video content with ABR. Convenient integration APIs for your workflow and CMS of your online environment.
• Custom Solutions: Optimize according to the specific needs of your platform and audience.
• Reliability and scalability: Ability to process large volumes of high-quality video content through clusters of specialized hardware video encoders.
• Branding: Ability to embed watermarks, logo, subtitles, and metadata.

 

Conclusion

Adaptive bitrate streaming, backed by efficient video transcoding, is the key to delivering high-quality video content to a diverse audience. With Evolink as your partner, you can focus on creating engaging content while we take care of the technology part.

Ready to optimize your video content? Contact us to learn more about our video transcoding solutions.