This article specifies encoding tips for Videon's LiveEdge Node, EZ Node, or EdgeCaster products. For encoding tips on a Max product, see this article.
List of settings
- Video Scaling
- Limit to Maximum 30 FPS
- Encoding Mode
- Keyframe Interval
- Quality/Latency (Non-legacy products)
- Video Encoding
- H.264 Profile
- H.265 Profile
- Audio Encoding
Video Scaling
Video scaling allows you to scale video input for lower bitrate streaming. Possible video scaling resolutions include: 320x180p, 480x270p 640x360p, 854x480p, 720x576p, 960x540p, 1280x720p, 1920x1080p, and 3840x2160p.
The Passthrough option outputs the same resolution as the input.
Limit to Maximum 30 FPS
If the Limit to Maximum 30 FPS is turned on, the input frame rate will be cut in half. For example, if you have a 720p60 input with Limit to Maximum 30 FPS on, the encoded resolution will be 720p30. This is useful for low-bitrate streaming.
If the Limit to Maximum 30 FPS is turned off, the encoded frame rate will be the same as the input.
NOTE: This feature actually divides the frame rate in half for frame rates over 30. For example, a p59.94 would become a p29.97 output, and a p50 input would become a p25 output.
Encoding Mode
Encoding Mode allows you to select the encoding bitrate mode for the MPEG-2 Transport Stream container.
Note: To achieve a Constant Bitrate stream (CBR) or Strict Constant Bitrate Stream (SCBR) both the audio and video profiles must be set to that encoding mode.
For more information on Encoding Modes, check out this article.
Keyframe Interval
Keyframe Interval controls the length of time between keyframes. It can be defined in seconds or in frames. For low bitrate streaming, choose a larger interval.
The keyframe interval is aligned with sub-GOPs, so it is possible the actual keyframe interval in the stream is slightly shorter than the configured interval.
Example:
Framerate = 60fps
Codec = H.264
Keyframe Interval = 1 second
Quality/Latency = Normal
GOP = IPBBPBB...PBB
Sub-GOP Size = 3 frames (PBB)
GOP Size = 58 frames instead of expected 60
Quality/Latency
Quality/Latency setting controls how many B-frames there are per sub-GOP for H.264 (AVC). Normal is the recommended value.
A B-frame is a tradeoff of quality vs. latency. B-frames offer better compression, so you'll get better quality video for your bandwidth. B-frames also add a frame of latency per-B-frame. 2 B-frames per sub-GOP = 2 frames of added latency. Having no B-frames can allow you to decrease latency by a small amount.
For H.264 (AVC), when Quality/Latency are set to:
- High = 3 B-frames per sub-GOP
- Normal = 2 B-frames per sub-GOP
- Low = 1 B-frame per sub-GOP
- Lowest = No B-frames
When encoding 4K, B-frames are disabled for H.265 (HEVC).
Otherwise, for H.265 (HEVC), when Quality/Latency are set to:
- High = 1-layer hierarchical B-frames, 3 B-frames per sub-GOP
- Normal = 1-layer hierarchical B-frames, 2 B-frames per sub-GOP (recommended)
- Low = 1-layer hierarchical B-frames, 1 B-frame per sub-GOP
- Lowest = No B-frames
Video Encoding
Video Encoding allows you to set video encoding to H.264 or H.265. Note that H.265 is not supported for RTMP (limited by RTMP protocol, not Videon devices).
Video Encoding also allows you to set the target bitrate for your stream. Choose a lower bitrate for lower bandwidth streaming and a higher bitrate for higher quality streaming.
H.264 Profile
H.264 Profile allows you to set the profile to High , Main, or Baseline. As long as it is supported by the decoder, it is recommended to use either High or Main profile. This allows for lower bandwidth and higher quality video.
H.265 Profile
When encoding H.265 the profile must be set at Main.
Audio Encoding
Audio Encoding allows you to set the audio encoding codec and bitrate value to use for the encoded audio.
Videon devices support MPEG-4 AAC LC at 64 kbps, 96 kbps, 128 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps, 320 kbps, 384 kbps, and 512 kbps.
Note: For a Constant Bitrate (CBR stream) both the audio and video encoding profiles must be set to CBR. If one is set to CBR and the other to Variable bitrate (VBR) then the outputted stream will be VBR.
If further assistance is needed, feel free to submit a ticket to Videon Support.