The Power of Per-Title Encoding

What is Per-Title Encoding?

Per-title encoding involves adapting the encoding parameters to the specific content of each video. The video is analyzed, and the best encoding parameters for that specific title are determined, helping improve the video's quality and reducing the streaming cost.

Why is Per-Title Encoding Important?

Unlike traditional encoding methods, per-title encoding allows for a more tailored approach. This is important because -

• Increasing diversity- With the increase in video content consumption, the need to support a wide range of video formats has increased. Per-title encoding allows for a more specific approach to encoding tailored to the particular video content.
• End-users viewing experience- By encoding video content, it can maintain a high level of visual quality while also being efficient in file size. This leads to a better balance between video quality and bandwidth savings.
• Reduced Costs - With the increase in video content consumed, per-title encoding helps reduce the overall cost of encoding and streaming.

Key Benefits of Per-Title Encoding

• Cost: The cost of encoding with per-title encoding is around 2-2.5X higher than traditional encoding methods, but the cost of streaming can be reduced by 40-50%.
• Playback Performance: Per-title encoding improves the playback performance by reducing video startup time, buffering, and improving performance in poor connections.
• Bandwidth: Per-title encoding can also help optimize bandwidth use by reducing the amount of bandwidth required to stream a video.

How to Implement Per-Title Encoding?

First, analyze the video content by dividing it into smaller segments. Then, determine the best encoding parameters by using video quality metrics like VMAF, PSNR, and SSIM. Next, encode the video using video encoding tools like FFmpeg and the x264 encoder. Optimize the encoded video by adjusting the bitrate, resolution, and other parameters to make sure it can be streamed efficiently. Finally, continuously monitor and adjust the settings to maintain optimal video quality throughout the streaming session.

What parameters can be changed on a Per-Title basis?

The following variables can be changed on a per-title basis :

• Bitrate: Bitrate is the amount of data used to represent the video per second. This ensures consistent quality throughout the video.
• Resolution: By adjusting the video's resolution depending on the video's complexity, the encoder can reduce the file size and improve the visual quality of the video.
• Frame Rate: By adjusting the frame rate, the encoder can reduce the file size and improve the visual quality of the video.
• Codec: Codec is the software or hardware that compresses and decompresses the video.
• Keyframe Interval: The keyframe interval is the number of frames between keyframes.

Video Quality Metrics

Three commonly used metrics are:

• PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio): PSNR compares the original video to the encoded video.
• SSIM (Structural Similarity Index): SSIM is a more sophisticated metric that considers both the video's structural and visual quality.
• VMAF (Video Multi-Method Assessment Fusion): VMAF combines several other metrics, including PSNR and SSIM.

Per-Title Encoding with Gumlet

Gumlet analyzes the video and automatically determines the best encoding settings for that specific title. Gumlet's platform also allows for the use of multiple video quality metrics, including VMAF, PSNR, and SSIM, which helps to ensure that the encoded video maintains a high level of visual quality.

Know more about per-title encoding & how it helps in delivering a seamless viewing experience here: