File formats of any data are one of the most important concerns for people nowadays. These data can be in the form of audio or video files. People record videos of any type of work now. They keep records of work or memories through videos or audios. Sometimes they go live streaming on the internet. It shows on multiple devices. People find difficulty in these file formats. All devices don’t support some type of file format. So compressing or changing file formats from real files is necessary. Encoding vs transcoding is the way we need to know to do this.
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What is Encoding?
Encoding is a process that converts information into files or messages just like Encryption and other technology. It can turn a real file into another type of file format. Encoding only changes files into any one format. Encoded files can only target a single device. Generally, the encoder converts real data or information into some kinds of coded bits or digits. This can be helpful when we want to change the file format. Also, encoding also plays a vital role in data security. In the next section, we will talk about Transcoding specially Encoding vs Transcoding you will know about.
What is Transcoding?
You may have encrypted different files like .zip files, PDF files, Excel files, etc. But Transcoding is the process in which data or information like audio or video files of encoded files can be converted into another format. It can support more than one number of targeted devices. These number of format video or audio files can be supported on multiple devices. This process does not convert real information. It converts encoded messages into another type of format. Generally encoded videos during live streaming don’t support the resolution of the video to all the messages. But videos with transcoding support multiple devices. For example, can you play any .vob file normally in the Windows media player of your PC?
What’s the Difference Between CBR and VBR Encoding?
Before we get started, let’s talk about the differences between CBR and VBR encoding. CBR is more common and used in streaming video constant bit rate vs variable bit rate. It’s often the most efficient encoding format for video, as it allows viewers to watch without interruptions. As a result, it’s also beneficial for content providers, as it helps reduce the risk of viewership decreases. The main advantage of CBR encoding is that it provides constant-quality images, without resizing and scaling. For this reason, it’s important to understand how to distinguish between the two types.
Similarities between Encoding and Transcoding
As the title mentioned as Encoding vs Transcoding, though there are various similarities that we find in encoding and transcoding. They are given below.
- Both are the processes of converting file formats.
- These ways both can encode files.
- In both ways, files can be compressed.
Differences between Encoding and Transcoding
The differences between encoding and transcoding are described below.
- Targeted Device: Encoding can support a single targeted device. But transcoding can support multiple targeted devices.
- Quality: The quality or resolution of video or audio can be destroyed in encoding. On the other hand, the quality of content doesn’t destroy in transcoding though you can adjust your computer screen’s resolution.
- Compressed: In encoding, the source file generally remains uncompressed. But source file is compressed in transcoding.
- File Format: Encoding converts the previous file format into a digital file format. But transcoding converts encoding file formats into other coded file formats.
Though Encryption, Encoding, Transcoding are so advanced nowadays, did you know that encryption can be bypassed? You don’t have to use any third-party software too.
Conclusion
Conversion of file formats is essential nowadays. Different devices support different types of audio and video files. Transcoding and encoding both play a vital role in file formats. It is not like encrypting your USB Flash Drives or other files or devices’ access. The encoded files can be capable of viewing on multiple devices. For these, we can enjoy live broadcasts on our devices easily.
