Meeting Viewer Demands in Real-Time: Scalstrm’s VOD Just-In-Time Transcoding Solution Explained

As the streaming industry continues to evolve, Scalstrm’s Video on Demand (VOD) Just-In-Time (JIT) Transcoding solution is at the forefront of a strategic shift toward efficiency and scalability, aligning operational rigor with a refined focus on cost and resource management. By streamlining VOD content delivery precisely when requested, this solution not only addresses key operational challenges but also enables a forward-looking approach to resource allocation and sustainability.?

The Rising Complexity in Meeting Viewer Expectations?

The increased demand for high-quality, on-demand content has placed substantial pressure on streaming providers. Today’s consumers expect seamless, on-the-go access across various devices and resolutions, which traditionally led to exhaustive pre-transcoding of multiple file versions. This outdated approach burdens storage and operational resources, driving up costs in ways that aren’t sustainable for high-scale operations. Scalstrm’s VOD JIT Transcoding directly confronts these challenges, reducing operational strain and providing platforms with a streamlined, on-demand solution that serves current viewing habits without sacrificing efficiency.?

“Our Just-In-Time Transcoding for VOD is designed to redefine efficiency in a way that aligns with our clients' operational goals. By enabling real-time, on-the-fly transcoding, we’re eliminating unnecessary storage and processing demands, giving providers a more agile, cost-effective way to deliver content to their audiences.”? - Patrik Alm , Founder of Scalstrm ??

Redefining VOD Transcoding?

At its core, VOD JIT Transcoding is a dynamic alternative to traditional storage-heavy workflows. Rather than pre-transcoding all possible content formats, JIT technology transcodes only the required version upon request, effectively recalibrating infrastructure use to actual demand. This change reduces resource consumption, cutting down on storage requirements while ensuring that content is accessible at high quality and with minimal latency. The ability to store only the highest-quality profile initially, then selectively remove lower profiles after peak demand subsides, optimizes CPU/GPU resources while ensuring efficiency across fluctuating demand periods.?

So, what are the advantages??

For VOD platforms, JIT transcoding offers a critical balance between resource efficiency and viewer satisfaction. By storing only what’s immediately necessary and transcoding additional versions on-demand, Scalstrm’s solution minimizes the typical storage footprint by approximately 50-60%. This reduction translates directly into cost savings and simplifies content library management. From an operational perspective, the selective retention of multiple profiles for high-demand content during initial days—before reducing to essential storage only—mitigates strain on hardware, optimizing resource use while keeping cost and scalability concerns in check.?

“At Scalstrm, we prioritize innovation that directly translates into tangible benefits for our customers. With our VOD-focused JIT Transcoding, platforms can significantly reduce storage use—by as much as 50-60%—while still meeting high viewer expectations. This solution lets providers scale at pace with demand without compromising quality or sustainability.”? - Dominique Vosters , Business Development & Sales Director, Scalstrm ??

Beyond Cost Savings?

Scalstrm’s Just-In-Time (JIT) Transcoding revolutionizes video-on-demand delivery, delivering unmatched efficiency and sustainability. By intelligently managing content profiles, Scalstrm slashes storage needs and processing demands without sacrificing user experience. During the critical first 2–3 days of peak viewership, all profiles are stored to guarantee seamless playback. After this period, lower-quality profiles are removed, cutting storage by up to 60%. For content that remains popular, transcoding happens only on demand—ensuring zero unnecessary CPU/GPU usage.?

This transformative approach doesn’t just optimize operations; it redefines them. By eliminating wasteful processing and storage practices, Scalstrm dramatically reduces energy consumption, aligning with the demands of an eco-conscious industry. At the same time, it enables platforms to scale effortlessly, meeting even the most unpredictable surges in user demand with agility and precision. Scalstrm’s JIT Transcoding doesn’t just save costs—it sets a new standard for how streaming platforms deliver excellence while staying ahead in a fiercely competitive marketplace.?

Future Direction?

Scalstrm’s demonstration of JIT Transcoding at IBC2024 served as an industry benchmark, showcasing the tangible benefits and operational agility of this solution under diverse VOD scenarios. The positive reception has reinforced our commitment to transitioning this IBC beta version into a fully General Available (GA) product, set to integrate seamlessly into a broader array of streaming platforms.?

A Vision for the Next Generation of VOD Streaming?

As media consumption continues to shift towards flexible, on-demand formats, Scalstrm’s JIT Transcoding offers a future-ready solution that bridges today’s challenges and tomorrow’s demands. Our technology not only optimizes performance and reduces costs but also aligns with the industry’s move towards sustainable streaming infrastructure. For platforms seeking to balance efficiency with high-quality user experiences, Scalstrm’s VOD JIT Transcoding stands as both a technological and strategic asset.?