For all talk about the new AV1 codec or HEVC in HLS, the simplest and fastest way to save bandwidth costs and improve your viewer’s QoE is to deploy video optimization or per-title encoding. I explore why in a column now up on StreamingMedia.com.
You can implement a simple form of per-title encoding with FFmpeg using Capped CRF (for Constant Rate Factor) with x264, x265, and VP9. Vendors selling optimization or per-title capabilities now include:
- Beamr – Optimizer
- Bitmovin – Per-Title Encoding
- Brightcove – Context-Aware Encoding (image above)
- Capella Systems – Source Adaptive Bitrate Ladder
- CrunchMediaWorks – Crunch
- Elemental Technologies
- EuclidIQ – Rithm
- JWPlayer (in JW Platform)
- Harmonic – EyeQ
- Mux – Per-title Encoding
- ZPEG – Visual Preprocessor
I’m sure I’m missing some companies, please ping me at [email protected] if your company offers per-title and you aren’t mentioned.
Other Resources:
In addition to the Streaming Media column mentioned above, Streaming Media also published a Buyers’ Guide to Per-Title Encoding in the 2018 Sourcebook, which you can access here.
I gave a presentation at Streaming Media East in May 2018 on Per-Title encoding; the video and handout are available here.
Through my consulting, speaking, and writing efforts, I’ve tested existing per-title systems and have helped several clients implement per-title. If you’re interested in discussing how to deploy per-title, please contact me at [email protected]. If you’re developing a per-title technology, and want to learn how it compares to existing vendors, contact me as well.
I’ll reiterate the conclusion to the Streaming Media column; Per-title or optimization is here now and should be on the 2018 to-do list of all encoding professionals.