Encoding is the process of converting or compressing a media file into a digital file capable of delivery over the Internet or other types of networks. Encoding for streaming makes it possible for a user to begin playing the media file as it streams rather than after it has downloaded, utilizing streaming as opposed to a progressive download. The quality of media content experienced on the Internet is directly related to the quality of the encoding services that transformed the media into playable content. Encoding is the essential process that helps you avoid the maxim "Garbage In-Garbage Out"! Instead, you will achieve "Quality In-Quality Out" and Streaming Media Hosting will help you achieve that goal.
Media files that stream from your web site have to be encoded in the correct format as a first step. While you can do this on your own using free tools from Real or Microsoft, for example, considerations such as choosing the right software, frame rate and source file are not easy tasks. If you want the highest quality results or don't have the time or inclination to do your own encoding, why not give Streaming Media Hosting the job and benefit from our expertise, experience and customized solutions?
Key Encoding considerations
Before having your media content encoded for future web streaming, there are important considerations to achieve your goals for the streamed content. Key factors are ultimately related to the determination of your target audience, as that determination dictates the qualities of your audio and/or video.
Before encoding, you will need to decide upon such critical factors as the media format or formats most effective for your users, anticipated user numbers and frequency, the content of the media itself, the bit rate, final video file image size and frame rate, and desired audio file quality level (FM, CD, 5.1 and so on).
Media Formats
Each of the major format or media player choices--Windows Media, RealVideo, Flash, and QuickTime-has its relative strengths and weaknesses based on the target audience and video type. Media players are software applications that allow users to experience streaming content. Windows Media (Microsoft), RealVideo (Real Networks), Flash Player (Macromedia) and QuickTime (Apple) are the four most popular players. A media player launches automatically when a user clicks on a web link or just goes to a certain website. Each player is associated with a specific file type or format. Media content therefore must be encoded to the correct format for each player.
Audience determination is again essential in deciding upon the player formats. As it is usually important to make the viewing experience as passive as possible, you may want to consider which player is most popular with your target audience. By decreasing the need to download and install new players, you increase the chance that the audience will experience the media content. You may in fact want to consider using more than one format to gain the widest possible audience.
Does your audience run Windows or Apple based computers? What media players do they have installed on their computers? With Streaming Media Hosting you can reach every member of your audience with our wide array of supported formats and our Tier-1 OC-192 backbone.
Another key consideration in selecting format is the content of your media itself. Videos with generally minimal movement, such as interviews, and lectures are ideal for encoding. High motion video is more challenging for a high quality result. What quality of an audio experience do you wish to deliver? Careful selection of format and encoding parameters, however, can help achieve this result.
Connection Speed and Parameters
Do most of your users have broadband or dial-up connections? In addition to format considerations, you should also consider your audience's Internet connection. A critical element is to provide your viewer with an optimized stream for their connection speed. There are two ways to achieve this goal. One way is to encode a single file for each individual connection speed. The other alternative is to create a single file or multiple bit rate stream to allow users to access the media content from a variety of connection speeds.
The main advantage of single bit rate encoding--individual files for each connection speed--is that you can vary the size of the window--the frame size--according to their connection speed. Viewers with a faster connection will be able to view the video in a larger window.
One of the advantages of a multiple bit rate stream is that it allows for a more passive viewing experience as the user will automatically receive the stream appropriate for their connection speed. Also, it is only necessary to create one link on your site as opposed to multiple links for single files.
The downside is that the video is constricted to a single frame size. In other words, viewers with a faster connection speed will be limited to a smaller video window.
Therefore, elements such as the frame size, image resolution, audio quality (FM, CD, 5.1) all influence how the original source media is encoded. The experts at Streaming Media Hosting can answer all your questions about these key elements and help you determine the best levels of parameter encoding.
The Encoding Process
After Streaming Media Hosting captures your media content, we can encode the finished product for a variety of media formats--Macromedia Flash, Real, QuickTime, Windows Media--and Internet connection speeds such as DSL, Cable, ISDN, and T1. We can also format your video to play in a web page without launching a media player, especially convenient if your target audience members are not advanced technology users.
We can encode from any source format:
Digital media files (AVI, MOV, MPEG, MP3), DV, Mini DV, Beta SP, S-VHS and Hi-8.
Whether you are outputting from a consumer editing program like Premiere or using AVID, Final Cut, or Pro Tools, Streaming Media Hosting is prepared to accommodate your needs.
Encoding Tips and Tricks:
Streaming Media Hosting can answer all your questions and give you advice about advanced encoding tips and tricks to consider in the process of encoding. For example you may want to understand the difference between progressive versus interlaced video and know when to use interlaced video.
There are two basic types of video encoding: progressive and interlaced. In progressive encoding, each frame is an encoded representation of one frame of video. In interlaced encoding, each frame is an encoded representation of either all of the even rows of pixels in the video, or all of the odd rows. Each interlaced frame is called a field, so there are odd fields and even fields. An interlaced display (like a television) renders the fields one at a time, alternating fields. A progressive display renders frames all at once.
Encoding interlaced video is useful only when the content is displayed on an interlaced device. Content that is intended to be viewed on a television (through a set-top box or other device) may need to be interlaced. Content that is intended to be viewed exclusively on a computer display should not be encoded as interlaced.
Streaming Media Hosting has a team of encoding specialists that can convert your audio or video into Flash or Windows Media, MP3's, multiple bit-rates and more.
Why spend all your time learning to encode Streaming Media content when you can let the experts at Streaming Media Hosting handle your encoding for you and deliver your media in the highest quality content possible without losing quality.
Encoding Services Pricing:
Encoding Services capabilities can be included with any of our monthly streaming media plans, or can be priced for an individual project. The cost is largely determined by three factors:
1. The project's duration
2. The quality required for the broadcast
3. The anticipated number of viewers
Companies from all over the world select us to encode their streaming media content. Our clients across the U.S. and around the world share common objectives-high quality streaming content coupled with fast, professional service at a reasonable price. For faster service you may use Overnight Delivery, FTP or Email your finished streaming media files.
We invite you to explore our showcase of expertise and our experience, as well as learn how we have helped create and sustain market leading companies. When you're ready to take the next step, contact us to see how we can work together.
