Video transcoding or video translation is the digital transformation of one analog stream into a digital stream, including for audio, video data files, or image coding. It is usually done via the use of software applications and is referred to as converting a file to video. Audio and video are processed differently. Video transcoding involves compressing the video information with lossless compression techniques that are very similar to the compression methods used in PCM (picture/audio data), WAV (video data), MP3 (audio data) and WMA (microphone output format). The result is a compressed file of equivalent quality to the original file. The resulting file will be very unlikely to lose quality when sent through a video camera.
In order to transfer or encode video files from computer to computer or to an array of consumer devices, a transcoder must first be installed on the server so that transcoding and encoding can take place. Typically, this server is run on the network utilizing an ITSP (Internet Telephone Service) or other Ethernet network to connect to the transcoding servers. Some ITSPs provide their customers with managed IP telephones that make provisioned or closed IP telephones available on the Internet. Such telephones can also be provisioned through a data center.
Decoding is a process of converting analog audio stream or video stream into a digital form and vice versa. This can take place on a central server or on a transcoding server. Often, a transcoding server is managed by an ITSP. Decoding can be done on the client’s local computer or remotely over the Internet using various protocols such as HTTP, STD, FTP, or TCP/IP.
Although transcoding offers high-quality output, it can be slow if the transcoding software is limited. This is because the transcoder needs to find and decipher the best method for encoding. This process can take quite a long time, especially for larger videos. For many viewers, watching a fast-action film or video would be more important than waiting for a good quality animation to load in order to enjoy an interesting scene.
Another method of high-quality output is to compress the video file before it goes through video transcoding locally. The compression process makes sure that bandwidth and storage space are not depleted because of high resolution images. This method is usually referred to as Lossless Compression. There are two methods that are used in the compression process. One uses the compressor while the other uses the lossless method.
Video transcoding can reduce the bandwidth requirements of streaming services. Because it offers better quality, many people are able to save on costs associated with webcasting. Streaming requires buffering since there is no guarantee that all video files are transmitted. With buffering, streaming services do not have to worry about bandwidth shortages.