Just-in-Time Transcoding for Multi-Codec Video Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video streaming systems face high storage and bandwidth costs due to the need for multiple bitrate profiles and codec support, with static and content-aware ladders failing to provide optimal video quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The Blazar Just-in-Time Transcoder (JITT) system dynamically converts video and audio formats in real-time to match client device capabilities, available bandwidth, and content type, storing only the highest profile, and supporting multiple codecs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bitrate profiles and codec versions are stored to support various client devices, then compatibility and adaptability are improved, but storage requirements and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal transcoder component that can dynamically convert between multiple codecs (H.264, H.265, AV1) and bitrate profiles. Instead of storing separate encoded versions for each codec, the system stores content in one format and uses the transcoder to adapt to client requirements in real-time, making a single storage infrastructure serve multiple codec needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-encoded bitrate ladders to dynamic just-in-time transcoding. The transcoder dynamically adjusts encoding parameters based on real-time client device capabilities and network conditions, generating appropriate bitrate profiles on-demand rather than relying on pre-stored static profiles
2Reliability
If multiple bitrate profiles are pre-encoded and stored, then video quality for different bandwidth conditions is improved, but bandwidth costs for delivering all profiles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential content in a single high-quality encoding and removes the need to store and transmit multiple redundant bitrate profiles. The transcoder extracts and delivers only the specific bitrate profile needed for each client's current network conditions, eliminating unnecessary bandwidth consumption for delivering unused profiles
3Adaptability or versatility
If cloud DVR systems store large quantities of media assets, then content availability is improved, but storage costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The transcoder serves as a universal adaptation layer that enables a single content library to satisfy diverse client requirements. By maintaining one master copy of each content asset and using the transcoder to generate appropriate delivery formats, the system achieves broad content availability across different devices and network conditions without multiplying storage requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and architectures for video and/or audio processing and distribution are described. More particularly, a just in time transcoder/transcoding (JITT) is employed. If a matching optimal asset segment with calculated optimal asset attributes requested by a client device is not stored in a server, the server is configured to invoke the just in time transcoder (JITT) to produce the matching optimal asset segment by transcoding from one or more assets stored in an asset storage device to fulfill the request of client device.