Video Encoding by the Numbers helps readers optimize the quality and efficiency of their streaming video by objectively detailing the impact of critical configuration options with industry-standard quality metrics like PSNR and SSIMplus. This takes the guesswork out of most encoding decisions and allows readers to achieve the optimal quality/data rate tradeoff. In addition, readers learn how to use tools like the Moscow University Video Quality Measurement tool, SSIMWave Quality of Experience Monitor, and FFmpeg to perform similar quality tests on their own videos. Because all videos encode differently, the tests detailed in the book involve eight different videos, including movie footage, animations, talking head footage, a music video, and Powerpoint and Camtasia-based videos. Readers first learn how to determine the ideal data rate for their videos at different resolutions. Then the book covers configuration options like bitrate control (CBR, VBR) that impacts quality and deliverability, and I-Frame, B-Frame, and reference frame decisions that impact quality and encoding time. The next three chapters focus on codec-specific configurations like Profile and preset for H.264 and HEVC, and the various configuration options available for Google's VP9. Next the book details how to choose an adaptive bitrate (ABR) technology, how to create an encoding ladder, and the most efficient ways to encode and package video into different ABR formats. Working off the groundbreaking work by Netflix and YouTube, the final chapter teaches the reader how a use per-title encoding with their own videos to create the ideal encoding ladder for each video in their library. Each chapter concludes with a section detailing how to configure the options discussed with FFmpeg, a preferred tool for high-volume video producers, including packaging into HLS and DASH formats (the latter with MP4Box). Overall readers learn how to optimally configure their encoding ladders and how to produce their videos with FFmpeg.

Walks readers through creating single and adaptive bitrate videos in FFmpeg and Apple's HTTP Live Streaming Tools

H.264 Advanced Video Coding or MPEG-4 Part 10 is fundamental to a growing range of markets such as high definition broadcasting, internet video sharing, mobile video and digital surveillance. This book reflects the growing importance and implementation of H.264 video technology. Offering a detailed overview of the system, it explains the syntax, tools and features of H.264 and equips readers with practical advice on how to get the most out of the standard. Packed with clear examples and illustrations to explain H.264 technology in an accessible and practical way. Covers basic video coding concepts, video formats and visual quality. Explains how to measure and optimise the performance of H.264 and how to balance bitrate, computation and video quality. Analyses recent work on scalable and multi-view versions of H.264, case studies of H.264 codecs and new technological developments such as the popular High Profile extensions. An invaluable companion for developers, broadcasters, system integrators, academics and students who want to master this burgeoning state-of-the-art technology. "[This book] unravels the mysteries behind the latest H.264 standard and delves deeper into each of the operations in the codec. The reader can implement (simulate, design, evaluate, optimize) the codec with all profiles and levels. The book ends with extensions and directions (such as SVC and MVC) for further research." Professor K. R. Rao, The University of Texas at Arlington, co-inventor of the Discrete Cosine Transform

Learn all about Codecs--how they work, as well as design and implementation with this comprehensive, easy-to-use guide to compression. After reading this book, you will be able to prepare and distribute professional audio and video on any platform including streamed to the web, broadcast on-air, stored in PVRs, Burned onto CD-ROMs or DVDs, delivered by broadband, or viewed in Kiosk applications, PDA devices, and mobile phones.

Video compression is not a new process; however, it is forever evolving. New standards, codecs, and ways of getting the job done are continually being created. Newcomers to video compression and seasoned veterans alike need to know how to harness the tools and use them for specific workflows for broadcast, the Web, Blu-rays, set-top boxes, digital cinema, and mobile devices. Here to guide you through the multitude of formats and confusing array of specifications, Andy Beach and Aaron Owen use a practical, straightforward approach to explaining video compression. After covering the fundamentals of audio and video compression, they explore the current applications for encoding, discuss the common workflows associated with each, and then look at the most common delivery platforms. The book includes examples from the authors’ projects as well as recipes that offer a way to define some of the best practices of video compression today. This invaluable resource gives you: proven techniques for delivering video online, or via disc or other devices. clear, straightforward explanations that cut through the jargon. step-by-step instructions for using a wide variety of encoding tools. workflow tips for performing either stand-alone or batch compressions. insight and advice from top compression professionals sprinkled throughout.

Published in 2013, Producing Streaming Video for Multiple Screen Delivery the only compression-related textbook released after 2010, and it incorporates the latest technologies, including DASH and HTML5 and new devices such as 4G transmitters for mobile delivery. This book is written for producers seeking to distribute streaming video to the widest possible audience, including computers, smartphones and tablets, and Over the Top (OTT) devices. Written by Jan Ozer, this book delivers the lessons learned from years of producing and consulting on streaming, and serving as a contributing editor to the industry bible, Streaming Media Magazine. In this book, you will learn: The fundamentals of video streaming and compression, including adaptive streaming and H.264 encoding, and new technologies like DASH, HTML5 and HEVC. How to configure a single group of files to distribute to computers, mobile and OTT devices, and when it s better to customize files for different target platforms. How to most efficiently produce maximum quality video using tools like the Adobe Media Encoder, Apple Compressor, Sorenson Squeeze and Telestream Episode Pro. How to choose an enterprise class encoder, with extensive discussions of workflow tools like Telestream Vantage and the ProMedia Workflow System from Harmonic. How to choose between setting up your own streaming server or using an online video platform (OVP) and the most relevant questions to ask before choosing an OVP service provider. The best technology options for producing a live event, from choosing an encoding tool or 4G delivery platform, to choosing a streaming media server or Live Streaming Service Provider (LSSP) like Livestream or Ustream. When to consider using a rich media presentation system like Sonic Foundry MediaSite or MediaPlatform WebCaster and how to choose between the available systems. Which producers need to add closed captions to their streaming videos and how to do so. This book is the successor to Ozer s highly regarded Video Compression for Flash, Apple Devices and HTML5, which has earned a five-star rating on Amazon and is used as a textbook by many colleges and universities. Published over two years after Video Compression, however, Producing Streaming Video for Multiple Screen Delivery is almost a complete rewrite, and contains links to the dozens of product reviews and video tutorials published and produced by Ozer over the last 24 months.

Details the most important techniques used to make the storage and transmission of data fast, secure, and reliable. Accessible to both specialists and nonspecialists: Avoids complex mathematics