What is Video Encoding and Why Is It Important?

Different devices, software, and browsers support different file formats. If you wish to upload a recorded video, you would want to make sure it’s viewable in varying platforms.

Video encoding: This method also is otherwise known as transcoding. It is the process of converting video files to different format so it can be supported in multiple platforms and even in video streaming. It allows your videos’ properties and playback mechanism to be compatible on any device. Video transcoding changes the video type without risking the video content. However, converting a video file may alter the file size therefore changing the video quality.

Computers, cellphones, and other digital platforms require specific file types for videos. Unfortunately, a universal file type does not exist yet. Even TV and cable channels vary in technical specifications. This means that both also has a definite codec requirement. If you wish to upload a video for streaming, might as well make available on different codecs.

Wait. Codec what?

Codec means compression-decompression which basically means your digital file type. Let’s skip the technical meaning of codec and proceed with an example. The most common is the codec used for photos which is JPEG.

Codec is the element of a file to which a device, browser, or viewing platform detect to confirm if they can support the file. There are multiple video codecs to choose from. Its general purpose is to encode a data stream for transmission and storage. The most common types of video codec are as follows:

MPEG-4/AVC

This is compatible in a wide selection of devices like cellphones, HDTV, Blu-Ray and DVD players and even gaming consoles.

WMV Family

Video file codec should be familiar to you if you have a Windows computer. Thus named Windows Media Video

MOV

This video file coded should also come to your familiarity especially if you’re using a Mac computer or iPhone. It is primarily the media format used with QuickTime but it can support other digital video formats.

It is important to identify which digital codec is best to use especially if you wish to upload live streaming video events. There are numerous online software that can help you encode your video to change its file type. Also, it’s best to start off encoding a high-quality video to avoid a poor video quality once the file is live on a device or a website. Video encoding will help you maximise your digital file’s reach in the World Wide Web.

Read More: What is Encoder? How does it help in Live Streaming?