DEVOS -- Enterprise Video System
Page 144
DEVOS
Encoding Content for VoD
You can encode your content for VoD delivery using several methods.
Play the content from a tape player, DVD, BlueRay, or other device that
delivers the content to an audio/video output. Use Streamsie to create a
digital version and post it to DEVOS with appropriate metadata.
Convert (or "Rip") the private DVD or digital file to a standard H264 (MPEG-4
part 10) video file with an MPEG-4 container (.mp4 file type). Be sure to
encode the video at streaming rates (e.g. < 5 Mbps).
Use a video editor and output ("save as / render") the video as H264 for
streaming. Some editors have presets for "iPad" compatibility that may work
well for you.
NOTE: Just because a video file may play on your computer does not mean it is a
"good" file for VoD. The file for VoD delivery must be of the proper format,
have the MOOV atom at the head of the file, and if it does not play via VoD you
can conclude it is not a "good" file. A "bad" file may exhibit any of the
following behaviors: will not play via streaming; progressive playback will not
start for a very long time; no audio or no video; does not display on iOS; video is
broken up; will not play at all; audio/video is out of sync.
Encoding Parameters
For best results, follow these guidelines for encoding:
Use the lowest bit rate that give acceptable quality. There is little point in
using high bit rates for "talking head" videos that have little motion.
Generally, a rate of about 500 Kbps is sufficient for most standard definition
content, and about 1,000 to 2,000 Kbps for high definition content.
You can use any output resolution, however the most common format is 640 x
360 HD 16:9. Encoding resolution does not affect the size of the video that is
displayed (you set that via player height and width), it only affects how much
information is in the encoded video file.
Use keyframes (I-Frames) at least every 5 seconds. More keyframes means
lower compression but higher resiliency. Set your reference distance (P-
Frames) to 1, 2, 3, or 4. You may use B-Frames to increase compression if
desired but is usually better to have no B frames.
For iOS compatibility, be sure to use AAC audio. Older encoders such as
"Tricaster" and free "FLME" software encoders may not support AAC.