What is Transcoding?
Transcoding is a method of decoding (or decompressing), reformatting, and re-compressing an encoded (or compressed) digital video file. It is essentially a digital-to-digital conversion where one type of digital file is converted to another; for example, a high-definition video file can be transcoded into smaller, lower-resolution files.
Transcoding allows you to manipulate a file's size, bitrate, audio, and/or video format—thereby ensuring maximum viewership of your video content across a wide range of devices and platforms.
Benefits of Transcoding
- Enhances reach: Transcoding makes your digital content accessible to a wider audience.
- Device agnostic: It allows you to create profiles for different target playback—from large displays to smartphones.
- Improves ABR workflow: Transcoding streamlines your workflow by creating a duplicate of your files in a new target format that ensures better and more smooth playback.
- Smoother viewing experience: Transcoding makes your content compatible with high-quality adaptive streaming formats such as HLS or DASH, which reduces buffering, latency, and playback issues.