This course helps those new to streaming media get familiar with the relevant terms, concepts, and technologies. The session begins with a definition of terms like codecs, container formats, and adaptive bitrate streaming, as well as encoding concepts like bitrate control (VBR, CBR) and frame types (I, B, and P). Then it details the key H.264 encoding parameters that impact quality and compatibility. Next up is adaptive streaming, including a review of available ABR technologies like HLS and DASH, how to formulate an encoding ladder, and how to use multiple DRMs to protect premium content. Then we'll review the technical requirements for ABR delivery to computers, smartphones and tablets, OTT devices, and smart TVs, and finish with a quick look at advanced codecs like HEVC, VP9, AV1, VVC, and LCEVC. You walk away knowing the technical requirements for delivering to all key platforms and an understanding of how to do so.

Hear what Jan has to say about the workshop.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping people home from work, using remote cloud-based applications makes more sense than ever. This workshop will cover a range of SaaS products that promise to provide efficient, affordable alternatives at various points in the streaming video workflow. For each tool, we’ll provide a step-by-step demonstration followed by an in-depth discussion of features, functionality, and pros and cons. This workshop is designed for attendees of all levels of technical expertise who are interested in finding out the latest cloud-based options.

Hear Nadine's "10 Reasons You Want to Spend Three Hours With Me."

This session helps encoding professionals get up-to-speed on crucial encoding-related issues, technologies, and techniques. Topics include:

Hear what Jan has to say about the workshop.

One of the most widely used tools for video encoding and deployment processes is FFmpeg, an open-source command line utility that can read and write just about any video, audio, or subtitle codec with just about any format, container, or protocol. Starting with core command-line parameters, you’ll learn how to read video files and output in various bitrates, codecs, and containers. The workshop then moves into more intermediate-level commands with map parameters and video filters. We also look at streaming VOD as Live with RTMP distribution to social media and custom ingest destinations. (Not sure whether you should attend this introduction to FFmpeg or the more advanced workshop on Friday? Click here for a quick quiz on your FFmpeg knowledge.)

Hear what Robert has to say about the workshop.

If you’re already familiar with the basics of FFmpeg operation, you’re ready to tackle more ambitious tasks with one of the most powerful compositing tools available. In this workshop, we explore composition of two video sources with text labels and placement, setting up multiple processes to output multiple bitrates for adaptive delivery, using the “tee muxer” to distribute one encoding process to several outputs, and accessing connected hardware (e.g. webcams, A/V capture devices) and networked hardware (e.g. IP cameras) as inputs to FFmpeg processes. Additionally, a diagnostic test will be made available for attendees of this advanced workshop. (Not sure whether you should take this advanced workshop or the introductory workshop on Wednesday?  Click here for a quick quiz on your FFmpeg knowledge.)

Hear what Robert has to say about the workshop.