How transcoding works
The source is decoded back to raw frames, then encoded again at each target resolution and bitrate. A single upload might produce five or six renditions, from 240p for weak mobile connections up to 1080p or 4K. The renditions are then packaged into segments and manifests for HLS or DASH.
Related terms
- Transcoding: changing the codec or the bitrate
- Transrating: changing only the bitrate, keeping codec and resolution
- Transsizing: changing the resolution
- Transmuxing: changing the container or packaging without re-encoding the video
On-demand and live transcoding
For on-demand titles, transcoding runs once after upload and can take its time, so slower, higher-quality settings are used. For live streams it must keep pace with real time for as long as the stream runs, which needs dedicated capacity for the whole event.
What transcoding costs
Transcoding is priced per minute of output, with higher rates for higher resolutions and for newer codecs. A catalog costs a one-off amount to process; a live channel costs for every minute it is on air.
To estimate, multiply your minutes of content by the per-minute rate for the highest resolution you need. Re-encoding a catalog later, for example to add a new codec, incurs the cost again.
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