Configure Transcoding

You can configure payloads to do transcoding for you. Transcoding is the process of converting an audio or video file from one codec to another. For example, if you're sending video directly to users who might have bandwidth restraints, you might choose a codec that results in a smaller file. Not all videos require transcoding. But when you do need it, Projector can help automate this time-consuming process.

Configure payload settings for transcoding

These settings are located in the Transcode section of the Projector user interface (UI). Transcoding settings apply for all the missions within your payload, and include whether or not you want to transcode at all.

1. Select the Enable transcode? checkbox.
2. Select the Delete original after transcode? checkbox if you won't need it again.
3. Select the Archive poster image? checkbox if you want to archive the image to your storage location. You'll configure the poster creation in a separate task.

4. Select the Create GIF preview? checkbox if you want to create a GIF preview for each of your videos. You'll configure the GIF creation in a separate task.

   Should I create a GIF preview?

   If you only plan to stream the video on a streaming service, probably not. The more videos you're producing, the more time it takes to create a GIF for each one. There can be storage implications as well. But a GIF preview is a great tool when you:

   • Plan to promote your videos on social media.
   • Want to embed videos on a website.
   • Deliver the customized video as part of a direct email or messaging campaign.
   • Promote the customized video as part of a direct email or messaging campaign.

   If you decide to skip this step, leave the checkbox cleared.

5. Select the Archive GIF preview? checkbox to archive the GIF to your storage location. Streaming services don't use GIF previews, so if you create a GIF preview you should always archive it as well.

Set up transcoder

1. In the Transcode section of Projector, click Setup.

2. Select the Video Codec you want to use for this project. Projector currently supports a limited number of codecs, but more will be added based on customer requests.

   What video codec should I use?

   The most common video codec is H.264, which the MP4 video format uses. It's optimized for streaming and results in good quality videos. This holds true even when the viewer is using an older or less powerful device. Other formats are available. You may want to choose something different if you're creating very high-definition videos.

3. Select the Video Bitrate you want to use for this payload.

   What bitrate should I use?

   Bitrate refers to the speed at which your video streams to the viewer's device. It is also linked to FPS Frames per second, a measure of video quality. Most video for viewing on a computer is 30 FPS. and video definition. To some extent, your streaming service decides these. Most major services can handle videos of 24 to 60 FPS. Most also support viewing on a mobile device, a computer monitor (1080p), in high-definition, or in 4K.

   The most common choice for web video viewed on a computer monitor is 30 FPS. In these cases, bitrate should generally fall between 3,500 to 6,000 Kbps.

   The bitrate you choose will be a bit of a trade-off. Why? Higher bitrates result in better quality audio and video but also in larger files. Lower bitrates reduce file size but also lower the quality of the video. So choose a bitrate that gives you acceptable quality and manageable file size. If you're new to streaming, you may need to experiment within the recommended ranges to determine what's best for you.

4. Select the Video Pixel Format you want to use for this payload. We recommend yuv420p unless your videos will be viewed on something other than a standard computer screen or mobile device.
5. Select the Audio Codec you want to use for this payload. If you're deploying the video to a streaming service, you should always select AAC because most streamers require audio to be in that format.
6. Select the Audio Bitrate you want to use for this payload. We recommend 128. It's a nice average bitrate for AAC audio.
7. In Transcode output location, enter the file path for the folder where you want Projector to save the transcoded videos. If you want Projector to build the file path for you, click Browse and navigate to the folder. If you want to Use asset directory as output directory, select the checkbox.

8. Select either an Output Width or an Output Height for your transcoded videos. In order to maintain the aspect ratio of the video, Projector automatically adjusts the height when you select a width and vice versa.

   Should I adjust the video size?

   If you know how your users typically watch videos, adjusting video size might improve their experience. For example, does most of your audience watch videos on a standard desktop monitor? Then you might want to choose a common monitor resolution. What if you're not sure, or if your users might watch your content on a variety of devices? Then you might opt not to specify sizing at all. Keep in mind that increasing video dimensions also increases file size. Larger files can add to costs for upload, delivery, and bandwidth.