What is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming?

Adaptive bitrate streaming (ABS) is a performance management technique for streaming multimedia over computer networks. Historically, most video streaming approaches were founded on RTP or RTSP; but now most adaptive streaming technologies are built for tranmission over HTTP over large, broad-distribution networks.   ABS works by dynamically monitoring CPU and memory capacity and then making Read more

Video Codec

A video codec is either a device or software that performs compression or decompression (co/dec) of digital video. Codec programs are necessary for a media player (software or device) to play music and movies. Historically, video would be stored as analog files on magnetic tape. Now, most video is recorded and stored in digital format. The purpose Read more

What is video encoding?

Video encoding is the process of converting digital video files from one format to another. Encoding is also known as “transcoding” or “video conversion.” At the time of recording, the device gives the video file a particular format and other specifications. If the video owner wants to publish the video, s/he must consider the various Read more

Understanding bitrates in video files

It’s important to understand how the bitrate control corresponds to video quality and the file size. In general, a higher bitrate will accommodate higher image quality in the video output. At the same bitrate, video in a newer codec such as H.264 will look substantially better than an older codec like H.263. Another consideration is Read more

What is Cloud-Based Video Transcoding?

Cloud-based video transcoding converts video for playback across a broad spectrum of media players, operating systems, devices and browsers using the infinitely scaleable, parallel processing capabilities of cloud computing. Users only pay for the transcoding volume they use as-a-service avoiding unnecessary infrastructure investments, development resources and ongoing R&D. Robust cloud-based encoding solutions provide value added Read more

What’s the difference between closed captions and subtitles?

  Closed captions as a concept is unique to the States; Europeans refer to them as “subtitles for the hard of hearing” and deliver them as such. There are some technical differences. The practical difference in North America (or Region 1 for all you DVD watchers) is viewers use their TV remote to turn on Read more

What are the definitions of the closed captions formats?

Closed Captions Format Definitions: The Encoding.com API makes it really simple to extract, inject, mux or copy closed captions of any kind for distribution to most mobile digital video platforms.  As we work together, please feel free to reach out to us through our helpdesk or via live chat to get answers to questions. You Read more

What is two pass encoding?

Two pass encoding, also known as multi-pass encoding, is a video encoding strategy used to retain the best quality during conversion. In the first pass of two-pass encoding, the input data from the source clip is analyzed and stored in a log file. In the second pass, the collected data from the first pass is Read more

What is vid.ly?

Vid.ly is a universal video service delivered within a single short url and embed code.The vid.ly service seamlessly integrates a HTML5 video player, Flash video player, transcoding, storage, delivery, and device detection.  When you chose the vid.ly preset within the Encoding.com UI, Watch Folder, or API we automatically transcode your source video into 24 different Read more