Transcoding and Profiles
Start with Copy mode. Add one encoder only after the source and one output work.
Actions
| Action | When to Use | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Manage Profiles | Change shared encoder settings. | Identify dependent Streams and test one before rollout. |
| Add Profile | Reuse processing settings. | Define encoders and outputs, save, and assign one test Stream. |
Encoding Paths
| Path | Use |
|---|---|
| Copy | Preserve the source track with the lowest cost |
| CPU | Software H.262/MPEG-2, H.264, or H.265 encoding |
| Intel QSV | H.264 or H.265 on compatible Intel hardware |
| NVIDIA NVENC | H.264, H.265, or AV1 on compatible NVIDIA hardware |
Configure
- Select Video and Audio Encoders.
- Set codec, size, rate control, bitrate, and device.
- Save and verify codec, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, timestamps, and A/V sync.
- Add extra encoders, filters, subtitles, and mappings one at a time.
All Video Encoders in one Stream use the hardware family selected by Encoder #1. Do not mix CPU, QSV, and NVENC families in one Stream. Full hardware acceleration keeps compatible decode, filters, and encode on the device; Partial and Encoding Only allow software stages with extra copies.
Use Mapping Syntax only when automatic track selection is insufficient. Profile-controlled fields are read-only on assigned Streams; sources, Categories, Bouquets, schedules, and Outputs remain Stream-specific.
After changing encoder order, verify every Output uses the intended encoder numbers.
Encoder Fields
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Rate control and bitrate | Use CBR when a fixed delivery budget is required; use VBR when quality may vary within the allowed bandwidth |
| Video Preset | Faster presets use less processing; slower presets may improve compression but reduce capacity |
| Video Profile | Match decoder support; H.264 High and HEVC Main are common starting points |
| Video Level | Keep Auto unless a receiver requires a specific decoder limit |
| Video Frame Rate | Keep Auto to preserve the source rate; increasing it does not create additional motion detail |
| Keyframe Interval | Set in frames; shorter intervals improve switching and recovery but increase bitrate |
| Pixel Format | Use yuv420p for broad compatibility when the source format is unsupported by the selected device |
| Deinterlace | Enable for interlaced sources only and select a method supported by the active processing path |
| Audio Channels and Sample Rate | Preserve the source unless the receiver requires a fixed stereo/mono layout or sample rate |
Subtitles and Overlays
- Subtitle Map selects one subtitle for overlay or tracks for copy; see Mapping Syntax.
- Overlay Image accepts a managed image or video plus X, Y, and opacity. Expressions such as
W-w-50andH-h-50keep a logo relative to the right or bottom edge. - Overlay Text sets text, position, font, size, color, and opacity.
- Filters and overlays require video processing and are unavailable in pure Copy mode.
Add one filter at a time and verify GPU/CPU usage, pixel format, resolution, frame rate, subtitles, and A/V sync after every change.