We have been huge proponents of per-title encoding since its inception in 2015. Boy, has it come a long way. In this Streaming Media article, I recount the history of per-title encoding and trace its advancement from single file optimizations that could adjust only file data rate to AI-driven adjustments that can change resolution, data rate, frame rate, codec, color …

This article is about a video lesson that computes the bandwidths savings afforded by the FFmpeg-based implementations of VP9 (libvpx-VP9), H.264 (x264), HEVC (x265), and AV1 (libaom-AV1). The lesson uses the Netflix convex hull analysis to build unique encoding ladders for each test clip and codec and shows why BD-Rate figures don’t accurately predict real-world savings. Towards the end, it …

I’m pleased to announce the availability of our new course, Live Streaming Bootcamp, which costs $99.95 but is available at a 50% discount through September 30, 2021. See details below. Let’s face it, many of us have been placed in front of or behind a camera or webcam over the last year or so and left to sink or swim …

The State of Streaming, Spring 2021 Report, was sponsored by Harmonic, Inc, and details the radical changes that have occurred in streaming production and consumption during the second half of the pandemic. This interview explores key findings from the report with the authors Michelle-Fore Siglin and Tim Siglin, including which job skills and technologies have become more important over the …

We’ve added several new lessons to our E-learning course, Getting Up and Running with Wowza Streaming Engine. The advanced new modules include Deploying DRM with the Wowza and BuyDRM’s KeyOS Platform and Configuring a Wowza Origin with Amazon CloudFront Edge Servers. New lessons include: • KeyOS MultiPack Wowza Module Set-up and Configuration • Testing Encryption with A Sample Streaming URL …

On-the-job training has a significant cost in learning materials and employee time. When ROI is king, is training worth it? That’s the issue explored by this white paper from the Streaming Learning Center. Key findings include: That training can accelerate time to proficiency by 30 – 50%. With technical employees paid from US $35,000 – $100,000+, accelerating time to efficiency …

This webinar provided an overview of producing VP9 for VOD and live streaming. You can watch the recorded video below. Click here to download the handout.   Description: The VP9 codec is at an interesting inflection point. On the one hand, VP9 provides better quality than H.264, and similar quality but much better browser support than HEVC. On the other, …

If you’re building a large-scale in-house VOD encoder, your job just got easier as SVT open-sources Encore, their VOD encoder.  One of the most fundamental decisions all streaming publishers must make is whether to purchase a commercial encoder, use a commercial cloud encoder, or build their own, the classic make vs. buy. One of the most startling findings from the …