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Hardware encoders are external pieces of equipment that you can hook up to your computer that don’t take resources from your PC.
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Software encoders are programs you install on your computer that use your computer’s resources to run. Encoders use codecs to perform the encoding process.Įncoders can either be software or hardware. Examples of codecs are H.264, HVEC and VP9.
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An example of transcoding would be lowering the video’s resolution from 1080p to 720p before it appears on the end platform. Transcoding: Transcoding is taking an already-encoded video, decoding or decompressing it to make alterations, then re-compressing it before delivery.
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An example of an encoder is either hardware like Teradek or software like OBS Studio. Encoding: Encoding is compressing a raw video file so it can be played in a digital format.These three terms are similar but mean different things: You might hear the words “encoding,” “transcoding,” or “codec” thrown around when learning about live streaming. Get cross-platform insights and analytics about each stream.Play pre-recorded videos during the stream.Add custom logos and graphics to your broadcast.In addition to multistreaming, Restream Studio also lets you: You don’t need any experience with streaming or encoders to get started just create a Restream account, link your channels, and go live. Our streaming studio lets you go live straight from your browser and broadcast to multiple channels simultaneously. Is there a way to go live from a computer without downloading encoding software or purchasing a hardware encoder? Yes, you can use a cloud-based encoding solution like Restream Studio. Although you don’t have to install encoding software on your phone for this process, Facebook is still taking care of the encoding for you. If you’re not using an encoder, you might be using an app like Facebook, which lets you live stream directly from your smartphone to your Facebook profile. Live streaming can’t happen without encoding. 🕹 Do you always need an encoder to live stream? The streaming encoder can either be a piece of software that you install on your computer or a piece of hardware that sits on your desk and connects to your computer. Usually, those digital formats are H.264, H.265, VP9 or AV1. 🤔 What is a live streaming encoder?Īn encoder takes raw video data from your camera and microphone and converts it into a digital format that you can stream on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and LinkedIn. In this guide, we cover what an encoder is, explain the difference between software and hardware encoders, and review the top 10 streaming video encoders. If you want to stream from a laptop or desktop computer - which affords you more control over your stream than broadcasting from a smartphone - you’ll need a live streaming encoder.
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Without a way to encode your raw video data into a digital format for the web, you can’t go live on any platform. An encoder is one of the key components of your live streaming setup.
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