Who should use Encoding.com

Encoding.com offers solutions for a wide range of users based on your video encoding/transcoding needs. We offer basic plans for the professional user/low-volume video encoder and high volume plans and live support for mass transcoding workflows. We are the fastest cloud encoding service out there, and we support nearly every video format imaginable, including a few that only we offer. We can accommodate any workflow with an easy to use web interface, a flexible watch folder, a desktop uploader, or our robust and mature API. You can even automate basic editing tasks such as video overlays and concatenation programmatically using our API.

What is your pricing structure..how much does Encoding.com cost?

Whether you have high-volume and live support requirements or a small one-time project, we have a service plan for you. We calculate our pricing based on usage/gigabytes of video with several different payment plans. We offer custom pre-pays and monthly low and high volume plans. This includes your incoming and outgoing files/delivery. For a look at our complete suite of pricing packages click here. You can change your mind at any time. Just want to give us a try? Go for the free encoding plan (no credit card required).

What types of video files can you ingest/output?

Encoding.com can ingest and transcode virtually any video codec container combination. We even support many formats that our competitors can not accommodate, such as GoToMeeting’s G2M and RED’s R3D. We are always up for the challenge of pushing the limits of our platform and supporting leading edge formats. If you have a format that you want to test on our platform, sign up for our FREE 1GB monthly account. For a full list of supported formats click here. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How do I upload files for transcoding?

Our file uploading process is extremely easy. We also employ several methods to accelerate the transfer of your source media to any of our processing centers: Optimized S3 Transit, Multi-thread FTP, and Aspera High Speed file transfer. On our extremely easy-to-use User Interface, we direct you to your source location for your file upload.

Within “Start a New Job,” we specify in in the first step for our users to select the source location for your files. We can ingest your files from an FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, RackSpace Cloud Files, or Microsoft Azure storage locations.

Watch Folder

Through our UI you can also configure a watch folder. The watch folder enables you specify a storage location to load videos to be batch processed on demand based on your specified check frequency. No code required! Once you set up the watch folder, you and other team members can add your assets, and, on a regular interval (once every 5 seconds to once every 24 hours), we will check the watch folder and automatically start transcoding your assets.

Where are my transcoded files delivered?

You can select as many output formats as you’d like for your video. Once you select your parameters, we process your video and deliver to your specified FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, RackSpace Cloud Files, or Microsoft Azure storage locations. With Encoding.com you can deliver to multiple CDNs and YouTube in one step. Simply specify multiple destination tags in your format requests and we will distribute your videos to the CDNs of your choice. You can easily send your completed source videos to Amazon S3, Rackspace, Edgecast, Highwinds, Akamai, CloudFront, Limelight, Level 3, CDNetworks, & Brightcove. 

Along with multiple delivery options, you can also inject varying metadata into each delivery location. For more information, please click here.

How fast is cloud transcoding (vs. on-premise hardware)?

When people use speed and encoding in the same sentence, they are usually referring to processing speed. However, when you talk about speed and cloud transcoding, you have to consider all four components of the cloud encoding job that make up total job time: ingest time, queue time, processing time and delivery or egress. We are the fastest cloud encoding platform, and we guarantee it with our industry leading queue time SLAs (Service Level Agreement). There are several features of our software as a service that will significantly reduce your total job time. We offer 8 global ingestion centers, Aspera API ingest, multi-thread S3 transit and multi-thread FTP transit for ingestions. Overall we are 61% faster than using on-premise hardware when using our ultra-fast desktop uploader, which when compared with an FTP is 100x faster. For a side by side comparison of the total job time encoding your files with us vs. on premise solutions click here. Our queue time is as fast as 18 seconds, again with guaranteed SLA. Our processing speed is lightning fast, and our delivery is seamless with multi-threaded delivery, Aspera API delivery and simultaneous delivery to multiple endpoints. All in all, we guarantee to decrease your total job time. Visit our speed page for more details on the benefits of encoding with us.

How many videos can be transcoded at a time?

We offer different levels of files to be transcoded simultaneously based on your pricing plan. As you upgrade your plan and process more files, the amount of files that can be transcoded at once increases (up to 400 files transcoded at once). For more information on each specific plan and file limit please click here.

How do I authorize someone else to access my S3 account?

In our manage users tab on our User Interface, you can add or delete authorized users at any time. This feature allows our clients to manage all of your users within your account. Once users are added, you can grant permission for them to access as many or as little areas appropriate to their job function. For example, you can grant your accounting team access to the billing section only, your developers the job and API logs, and so forth.

How can I update my credit card information?

Our easy-to-use User Interface gives you the ability to update your account, including your credit card information in no time. Click on the Billing tab on the left of the user interface and update your info anytime.

If you have any questions about billing or payment methods, please email billing@encoding.com.

Does Encoding.com support mobile formats?

Encoding.com supports nearly all mobile formats and has the mobile video codec you seek. Choose from iPhone, iPod, iPad, Blackberry, Droid, Nokia, PSP or Zune. Upload content via API or web UI, pick and choose from the presets in our web interface and that’s it! You’ve just created a simple workflow that’s ready to distribute to many mobile formats in just a few clicks. See our list of presets and input and output formats here.

Does Encoding.com offer editing features?

Encoding.com has developed a suite of programmatic editing features designed to automate the manipulation of your video content within a high volume media processing workflow. We define programmatic editing as edits initiated via our API based on a customer’s unique rule or data set. This could be as simple as adding a custom logo at a specific XY coordinate of a video at the time of transcoding, to a complex multi-step workflow that involves concatenating different source files, adding custom video or text overlays, and muxing closed caption files. For more information on our full list of supported editing features click here.

Does Encoding.com support closed captioning?

Encoding.com is the first and only encoding software to offer universal closed captioning support for delivery to all devices. Our powerful, reliable, scalable feature set for closed caption workflows enables digital video distributors to achieve critical business objectives such as:

  • Assuring compliance with impending Video Accessibility Act deadlines
  • Expanding the size and demographic of their audience
  • Reducing time-to-market
  • Delivering support for popular learning tools

Encoding.com’s full-featured closed captioning software makes it simple to:

  • Utilize all formats including cea-608/708, DFXP, SAMI, SCC, SRT, TTML and 3GPP Time Text
  • Seamlessly integrate with any existing digital video authoring and distribution workflow
  • Extract, inject, copy and mux closed captions tracks into sidecar (text) files or digital video
  • Extract standard closed caption tracks from source files and convert them into sidecar files
  • Copy closed caption or timed text tracks from source videos to output videos
  • Mux a sidecar file with a source video to encode closed caption tracks into output videos.

See our closed captions page for more detailed information.

Does Encoding.com support DRM?

Encoding.com supports each of the major DRM platforms. We have successfully worked with and implemented thousands of customer cases and workflows using each DRM protocol. We also now offer API integration along with our support for the Adobe Access and Microsoft PlayReady platforms. In addition, we offer a case by case analysis and consult on and are certified in Google’s Widevine protocol.

Does Encoding.com provide analytics?

The Encoding.com UI now offers integration with your Google Analytics account. Easily track your campaign and video statistics through the popular Google Analytics interface. Simply add your GA property ID code to the “My Account” tab and track detailed Vid.ly usage stats including time spent on each video, total visitors vs. unique visitors, geographic breakdown of your video traffic, browsers and mobile device traffic, and much more in real time.

Does Encoding.com support live transcoding?

Encoding.com now supports live transcoding. For more information, visit our live page.

How do I get help on Encoding.com?

Whether you’re new to Encoding.com or a seasoned compressionist, there might be a time you want to reach out for help. You can connect with us by sending and email to helpdesk@encoding.com or by logging a ticket through the customer UI in the Contact Support tab. We’re reachable 8am to 6pm, Mountain Standard Time. For critical workflow needs we also offer premium support options.

Need help with a billing question, email billing@encoding.com directly to get quick answers to questions about invoices or payments.

Don’t forget our self-serve options:

What is the difference between CBR and VBR encoding?

Constant bit rate (CBR) encoding persists the set data rate to your setting over the whole video clip. Use CBR only if your clip contains a similar motion level across the entire duration. CBR is most commonly used for streaming video content using the Flash Media Server (rtmp).

Variable bit rate (VBR) encoding adjusts the data rate down and to the upper limit you set, based on the data required by the compressor. VBR takes longer to encode but produces the most favorable results. VBR is most commonly used for http delivery if video content (http progressive).

We recommend you do not use CBR unless you have a specific need for playback on a device that only supports CBR. Our default VRB mode will produce higher quality at competitive bitrates.

What are the best Flash video frame dimensions?

Video codecs perform best when the frame width and height use multiples of 16. While you can use any width and height in your encoding settings, non-optimal dimensions can result in poor image quality and reduced frame rate. For the best image quality and playback, you should always use width and height dimensions that use a multiple of 16 (best), 8 (better), or 4 (good). We would recommend that you refrain from using 4 or 8 multiples unless it is absolutely necessary.

Note: Both the native encoding dimensions and the playback dimensions should be a multiple of 16. For example, if you encode your FLV file to use a frame dimension of 320 x 240, you should scale to a size such as 512 x 384.

Refer to the these tables to pick dimensions for your layout.

What is vid.ly and how is it different from Youtube.com and Vimeo?

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 video formats and create 5 thumbnails. When processing is complete, we deliver a short url and embed code via email or a XML http post. When the embed code is rendered within a HTML page we use browser or device detection to deliver the appropriate video format (H.264, Ogg, WEBM, or a Flash fallback) If a mobile device visits the short url directly we will use a powerful device detection to deliver the best quality viewing for experience for thousands of feature phones, popular tablets, and all major smart phones.

Vid.ly is targeted to the tens of thousands of video producers who need a solution that’s more robust than YouTube or Vimeo but doesn’t have all the bells and whistles (and cost) of a full-blown online video platforms. Vid.ly pro allows video producers to upload or point to their source video file and then have Vid.ly return a single URL and embed code with 20+ output formats that will work across all devices and browsers. Vid.ly Pro also offers an XML API so that Vid.ly can be formally incorporated into the customer’s work flow – See more at: http://www.videonuze.com/article/vid-ly-pro-is-unveiled-fits-between-youtube-vimeo-and-ovps#sthash.pOvW3t5L.dpuf

What’s the difference between Encoding.com and Vid.ly?

Encoding.com and Vid.ly may appear as similar, but there are vast differences. Follow along below, or feel free to chat up sales@encoding.com for any questions.

The Encoding.com service works is as follows:

  • Store your source videos on S3 / Rackspace or FTP site
  • Decide your integration method, whether it be API or watch folder. Here, you must be the maestro and pick your encoding settings
  • Deliver videos back to your S3 / Rackspace or FTP site.
  • Encoding.com charges based on bandwidth I/O. So that would be source in + encodes out = total bandwidth used.

Vid.ly works very much in the same manner, except the following differences:

  • Store your source videos on S3 / Rackspace or FTP site
  • Use our API integration, as UI for Vid.ly has not been rolled out yet. With Vid.ly, we configure all the settings for you.
  • Receive the Vid.ly URL back. Watch it anywhere!
  • We do the hosting for you and charge based on # of Vid.ly URLs + storage + views.

Does Vid.ly offer analytics?

The Vid.ly analytics package delivers real-time, detailed browser and mobile device consumption statistics for all your videos. Receive in-depth analysis of your audience with viewership data across 6000 mobile devices and tablets. Vid.ly analytics are available as a web service via our API’s “GetStatistics” function empowering you to customize this data to meet your organization’s unique needs. Easily integrate this real-time data into your existing systems and media workflow. Vid.ly analytics data can be pulled from any date interval for a single Vid.ly URL, a group of Vid.ly URLs, or the entire account. For more information click here.

Can I serve Ads with Vid.ly?

We now support Freewheel, VAST, VPAID, and Google IMA ad network integrations.

With Vid.ly, through the Vid.ly API and the Encoding.com web UI, existing FreeWheel customers can easily and seamlessly integrate video advertisements into an individual Vid.ly URL or globally across all active Vid.ly URLs associated with the account. Visit the Vid.ly –> FreeWheel section of the Encoding.com web interface to enable FreeWheel for your account and specify your FreeWheel account configuration parameters: AdServerURL, AdManager URL, Network IDs, PlayerProfiles, VideoAsset IDs, SiteSection IDs etc (provided by FreeWheel) to enable ad targeting. When a visitor views a Vid.ly URL with FreeWheel enabled, Vid.ly will pass their user information to the FreeWheel ad server and they will receive a targeted video advertisement (pre/mid/post roll or banner overlays). Vid.ly currently supports video player advertisements for both HTML5 and Flash players.

JWplayer offers Google Analytics and Token Based Authentication with VAST/VPAID and Google IMA ad network integrations. JWplayer and Google IMA integration allows for DoubleClick In-stream ads in Flash or HTML5, DART targeting, linear pre-, mid- and post roll videos, HTML companion ads. VAST/VPAID allows for IAB-compliant campaigns, mobile ads supported with VAST + HTML5, linear pre-, mid- and post-roll video ads, interactive VPAID ads, companion ads and full control with the JWplayer ads API.

Does Vid.ly support adaptive bitrate delivery?

Vid.ly supports Apple’s HLS adaptive bitrate technology. When an iOS enabled device accesses your Vid.ly, we will deliver video using Apple’s HLS format. HLS is an adaptive bitrate delivery technology that segments your video into 10s increments and multiple bitrates (300k, 600k, 1200k, etc.). HLS also updates your video to include a 64k Dolby HE AAC audio stream. When delivered to an iOS device, HLS conducts bandwidth detection and selects the ideal bitrate for delivery over a variety of bandwidth levels common to cellular, 3G/4G, and WiFi networks. Vid.ly prepares your video content in two different HLS resolutions to support both the iPhone and iPad.

Can I white-label Vid.ly and use my own domain?

Vid.ly currently does support white-labeling. In the vid.ly UI, there is now a tab for Custom Domains. Here you can you choose your custom domain and unique vanity URL. See this article for more information on setting this option up for your vid.ly files.

Can I secure my videos using Vid.ly?

Enterprise-grade security features let you protect your video content by limiting the timeframe for a video’s availability and/or limiting the geographical locations or domains from which it can be viewed. Token-based authentication is also available to limit playback and embed to a single domain name.

You can secure your vid.ly in many ways with the UI.

Start Date: Please state the time stamp in which you want your Vid.ly to become available. This is helpful for upcoming campaigns. Please format as YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. Please note that the HH:MM:SS is optional.

Expire Date: Please state the time stamp in which you want your Vid.ly to become unavailable. This is helpful for upcoming campaigns. Please format as YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. Please note that the HH:MM:SS is optional.

IP Address:

  • 192.168.1.50 – Just allow a single IP address to access the link
  • 192.168.1.1-50 – Allows the range of 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.50 to access the link
  • 192.168.1.* – Allows the range of 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255 to access the link.
  • 192.168.1-50.* – Allows the range of 192.168.1-50.1-255 to access the link.

Protect with token:

  • Tokenization can be managed through the encodin.com UI via this step revealed, only if the check box for Protect with Token is selected.
  • Token Name: Give your Token a name. This helps to differentiate it from others in the list. Especially helpful for deletion / management.
  • Allowed from Date, Allowed to Date work exactly the same as the above noted fields, under Security.
  • Expiration Time: This allows you to set a countdown to expiration in seconds. For example, if you entered 86,400 seconds, this would be equivalent to 24 hours.

When a visitor loads the page, a script will make a GetSecurityToken request including the visitor IP and expiration date (optional) from Encoding.com. The token is only valid for that IP and timeframe. When the token is received a response is generated adding that token to the embed code. This happens dynamically, and a new token is generated with each page load.

For more information on the workflow you would use to create tokens through the vid.ly pro API see this article. For all your security questions visit this page.