What is Video Encoding?
Video encoding is the process of converting digital video files from one format to another. This is an important process when it comes to video production, as it allows videos to be shared and posted on various platforms, devices and applications.
The encoding process involves compressing video files while still maintaining the quality of the original video. This is done by removing redundant data, such as color information that is not perceptible to the human eye. By reducing file sizes, videos can be streamed and shared more efficiently, without compromising on quality.
There are many different video encoding standards and codecs available, each offering different advantages and disadvantages. For example, MPEG-4 Part 10 (also known as H.264) is often used for web video streaming due to its high compression rates without degrading quality, while HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) is popular for Ultra High-Definition (UHD) videos.
The encoding process can also involve adjusting other settings, such as resolution, bit rate, frame rate, and audio settings. These settings are often adjusted depending on where the video will be displayed and the bandwidth available.
Video encoding is not just limited to converting video files from one format to another, but also includes adapting videos for different devices and internet speeds. For example, a video that is intended to be viewed on a mobile device with limited storage and slow internet speeds would require a different encoding process than a video that is intended to be viewed on a desktop computer. The encoding process would change to create a smaller file size while still maintaining the quality of the video.