Open Source Video Encoding
If you’re looking to encode video with your computer, it might be a good idea to check out some open-source software. Open-source video software makes finding the suitable encoder for your needs more accessible and can help save money. This article will discuss some of the best choices available, including NVIDIA’s NVENC encoder, Open Broadcaster Software, and the Free Software Media Encoding Project (FSMEP).
Software vs. hardware encoding
Regarding encoding, there are two main types of systems: software and hardware. Each has its benefits, pitfalls, and features. Knowing the differences is the key to choosing the right one for your needs.
Generally, hardware encoding is preferred for professional broadcasters, while the software is better suited for more casual productions—for example, many open-source software solutions are free to use.
While hardware is generally faster, it is also more costly. Depending on the quality of your hardware, your encoding performance could be degraded. On the other hand, the software is a lot more flexible and customizable. You can ingest multiple feeds and create your bitrate, among other things.
You might consider a high-end software encoder if you’re in the market for an encoding solution. These are typically more expensive than their lower-end counterparts, but the quality will likely be worth it.
The only drawback is that you will need a dedicated computer to run the program. This isn’t an issue for most people, as most people already have a webcam and microphone. However, if you don’t have access to additional computers, you might have to purchase a second machine to operate the software.
Open Broadcaster Software
Open Broadcaster Software or OBS Studio is a software and hardware encoding tool that allows you to live stream your video to popular streaming platforms like YouTube. It’s open-source and comes with a bunch of features.
The program provides an intuitive workflow and customizable scenes. You can also customize your capture quality and bit rate. It can be a good start if you are new to live to stream. This software is compatible with different operating systems, including Gentoo and Windows.
Open Broadcaster Software Studio is one of the most popular free software encoders. With this tool, you can record gameplay and mix it with live video to create a high-quality broadcast.
One of the essential parts of the program is its ability to record audio and video at the same time. In addition, the program supports a variety of video and audio sources, including a capture card and a webcam. Combined with its easy-to-use interface, it can become the perfect screencasting solution.
The best part is that the software is open source. As a result, you can contribute to its development. Also, there are tons of plugins available. For example, there’s a countdown implementation. Other features include official settings and an estimator.
NVIDIA’s NVENC encoder
NVIDIA’s NVENC encoder is a video encoding technology that uses the GPU of a graphics card to encode video files. It is designed to speed up encoding while still retaining high quality. The NVENCODE API enables software developers to use the hardware encoding capabilities of NVIDIA hardware.
This chip is present in several graphics cards from NVIDIA, including GeForce GTX and RTX series. It can also be installed on older CPUs.
A dedicated hardware video encoding chip offers higher quality, faster encoding, and improved power efficiency. However, it does take some CPU resources away from other applications. So, if you plan to stream, you may want to use a more powerful CPU.
However, the NVENC hardware encoder has been a reliable option for years. The latest version can encode a 4K, 8-bit video using H.264 at an ultra-fast rate.
NVENC has an encoding capacity of up to three simultaneous streams. A look-ahead feature also dynamically selects the number of B-frames for better image quality. CUDA accelerated, the Look-ahead also allows for a smoother on-screen transition.
The newest NVENC also supports HEVC Main10 10-bit hardware encoding. It also adds adaptive sample offset, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, and lossless encoding.
