TECHNICAL VisualOn introduced the Optimizer suite at IBC 2023, 7 and it won the company the Product of the Year award at NAB 2024. 8 Optimizer provides a single-pass transcoding solution that dynamically adjusts encoding settings on a per-frame basis. Supporting AVC, HEVC and AV1, the Optimizer suite integrates with any encoder running on CPU- or GPU-based hardware. It supports a wide variety of use cases with product versions for the following deployment types: n Optimizer VOD. For VoD workflows, using FFmpeg’s filter-complex to transcode the entire ABR ladder in a single command. n Optimizer Live. For streaming workflows with real-time transcoding. Its efficient implementation allows it to achieve zero additional latency with reducing both average and peak bitrates without compromising visual quality, ideal for large events. n Optimizer Fidelity. For visually lossless file-to-file video transcoding to reduce the storage requirements of massive mezzanine video files. n Optimizer. For general purpose file-to- file transcoding to reduce size of video files. Optimizing Media Streaming with Advanced Dynamic Coding Technology The VisualOn Optimizer uses dynamic encoding technology that combines parameter matching, scene recognition and image quality enhancement. It leverages a machine learning-based, one-pass framework to predict and adjust encoder settings, optimising each video segment based on its features. Based on VisualOn testing, the technology reduces bitrates up to 40 percent, 1 while maintaining or improving video quality, as measured by VMAF scores. The technology also provides real- time feedback to dynamically adjust parameters based on scene analysis and quality metrics (PSNR, SSIM, and VMAF). It supports optional preprocessing steps, like sharpening and noise reduction, and has proven efficient and stable in live streaming tests with FFmpeg integration. Optimizer readily integrates into any streaming workflow through a simple API call before or in parallel with the encoder (Figure 1).
Figure 2: VisualOn Optimizer significantly reduces bit rate for more efficient content delivery and reduction in storage requirement. 9
Figure 3: VisualOn Optimizer improves visual quality, compared to FFmpeg only (left) and VisualOn Optimizer (right). 10
Enhancing Video Efficiency and Quality
Better Visual Quality
VisualOn Optimizer is tightly embedded within the FFmpeg ecosystem. It can be readily integrated with a video encoder through FFmpeg’s APIs, regardless of the video compression format or whether the encoder is CPU-based or GPU-based. Additionally, it has been integrated with Intel Quick Sync Video in Intel® Core™ processors and Intel Data Center GPU Flex Series for AVC, HEVC, and AV1 transcoding. Reduced Bit Rates Extensive benchmark results, as well as actual production deployments, reveal how Optimizer significantly reduces the average video bitrate. Figure 2 illustrates one such test compared to FFmpeg based on VisualOn’s testing. 9 Bit rate reduction leads to improved operational efficiency by reducing bandwidth requirements and delivery and storage costs, plus it helps lower energy consumption.
The Optimizer drastically improves visual quality without increasing video bitrate, as illustrated in Figure 3 based on VisualOn’s testing. 10 Higher quality enhances user experience and improves Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Seamless Integration Other CAE solutions are typically tightly bound to a particular encoder. The Optimizer is encoder-agnostic, seamlessly integrating into existing streaming workflows without disrupting operations. Since VisualOn Optimizer runs on CPUs and GPUs, often no additional hardware is required.
This makes it suitable for wide deployment across multiple use cases.
92
Volume 46 No.4 DECEMBER 2024
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker