Bitmovin is launching artificial intelligence (AI)-based video encoding, intended to speed up processing and enable service providers to improve video quality. AI-enabled Encoding will be demonstrated for the first time at the 2018 NAB Show in Las Vegas in April.
Bitmovin's AI-powered Encoding technology works by continuously learning the parameters used in previous encodes, so that it can apply AI-optimized settings to every new video file. The solution combines containerized encoding software (which enables video to be split into chunks for more efficient encoding) with machine learning capabilities to improve processing times and quality with no increase in bandwidth.
"Bandwidth should never hold back operators from delivering the best possible quality experiences," said Stefan Lederer, CEO and co-founder at Bitmovin. "Artificial intelligence is a step-change in encoding, allowing operators to significantly improve the visual quality of streams, eliminate buffering and improve consumer satisfaction."
The technology takes three passes at each piece of video:
- First pass: a rapid high-level analysis, using machine learning to identify appropriate encoding settings as well as pre/post processing steps for each part of a video. The AI is trained using library content and will continue to learn over time.
- Second pass: a more detailed analysis of each part, fine-tuning encoding parameters to ensure the best visual quality. Each section is analyzed in parallel, cutting the overall time needed.
- Third pass: applies the analysis, using an optimized bitrate throughout the whole file to ensure improved quality and streaming at optimal bandwidth efficiency.