Video Transcoding: Why is it Critical for Video Streaming?

Suppose you are a content provider and you run a video streaming service. You stream on-demand videos or real-time TV programs; it doesn’t matter. You likely want your viewers to have a great experience on your IPTV platform and return for more content consumption. Your income depends on that, as loyal users might bring you a steady revenue stream.

If so, think about ways to improve the quality of the experience. One of the measures you might take is investing in professional IPTV streaming software to enhance the delivery process. Transcoding can improve the quality of your streams, influencing the number of your viewers. Let’s explore the transcoding process in detail.

Before Transcoding

But for a start, we need to cover what happens before transcoding, which is the encoding process. But let’s back up a little bit. When creating a video, you have a RAW file at first. It is too large for delivery through Internet networks. That’s why the encoding process is necessary.

Encoding is compressing a media file into more manageable chunks so that transferring that file via the Internet is convenient. The IPTV encoder compresses it by 1000 times so that it takes less storage space. For compression, the encoder utilizes particular algorithms called codecs, such as H.264, H.265, and VP9. These algorithms make the bitrate small enough for streaming.

What is Transcoding?

Transcoding is converting a video file from one format to another. The process includes changes in size, bitrate, and other parameters. A transcoder is vital for providing the best picture quality on as many devices as possible.

For example, some viewers will watch your content on smartphones, which don’t need 4K quality. It is better to send them a video of a lower resolution. But those who view content on Smart TVs will probably want a higher quality video. So, you should deliver them high-resolution videos.

The transcoder takes an encoded video file, decodes it, and converts it into a format the receiving device can play. As a result, you provide a perfect experience for every user regardless of the device they utilize. The video transcoder can be open-source software or owned professional feature-rich software.

Why is Transcoding Critical?

IPTV streaming services usually allow viewers to stream their content on any device, including mobile phones, TVs, tablets, and laptops. All these devices are created by different brands with various technical requirements for video playback. It is hard to meet them all when you have a video file in one size and bitrate.

Transcoding creates copies of your media in multiple bitrates, ensuring adaptive bitrate streaming. A viewer’s device will receive a video in a rendition suitable for their network conditions. If the internet connection is stable, the video will be of high quality. But if the connection drops, the quality of a video changes. As a result, the viewer doesn’t experience buffering.

Furthermore, transcoding saves resources, including storage space or battery power, when adjusting the size of a video. Another vital thing for a content provider is revenue generation. Since transcoding provides a good-quality picture for all devices, you can ensure the best viewing experience for more users. As a result, they are satisfied with the quality of their experience and turn to regular customers. And you have a steady revenue stream.

The Future of Transcoding

Since the demand for high-quality content is growing, video transcoding is here to stay. People search for all content formats: from live streams to on-demand videos and TV programs. Viewers want to watch them on any device they want.

For this reason, a video should meet the requirements of a receiving device so that people can fully enjoy your content wherever and whenever they want. It is essential to note that video takes up the majority of storage space, which means that an increasing need for storage might happen in the future.

Drawing the Line

Transcoding is the process that can help you enhance the quality of experience for your audience. By creating copies of your videos in multiple sizes and bitrates, you can meet the requirements of as many devices as possible. Also, you can reach more people and generate more revenue.