Video Transcoding Service
Transcoding is the step that turns one source file or live feed into the many renditions streaming needs — multiple resolutions and bitrates, packaged as HLS and DASH, so every device gets a stream it can play and adaptive bitrate can switch smoothly as bandwidth changes. Get the encoding ladder, codecs, and packaging right and playback is flawless at low cost; get it wrong and you overpay for storage, delivery, and CPU while viewers still buffer.
Apexnova builds cloud transcoding pipelines you own outright — adaptive-bitrate ladders, H.264/HEVC/AV1 encoding, HLS and DASH packaging, and per-title optimization — for both VOD and live, production-ready in 30 days, tuned for up to 95% lower compute and delivery cost.
What a transcoding pipeline actually needs
A well-designed bitrate ladder. The right set of resolutions and bitrates so every viewer gets smooth adaptive playback without wasting bandwidth on renditions nobody uses.
The right codecs. H.264 for universal reach, HEVC and AV1 for far smaller files where devices support them — cutting delivery cost on high-resolution content.
Standards-based packaging. HLS and DASH with CMAF so one set of files serves every device, plus CENC encryption hooks for DRM.
VOD and live, cost-optimized. Fast parallel transcoding for catalog files and low-latency transcoding for live, with per-title and content-aware encoding so you spend compute only where it improves quality.
Codec choices and what they buy you
There's no single right codec — it's a trade of reach against file size. We build a ladder that uses the best codec each device supports.
| Codec | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| H.264 / AVC | Plays everywhere | Universal baseline reach |
| HEVC / H.265 | ~40% smaller than H.264 | 4K/HDR on modern devices |
| AV1 | Smallest, royalty-free | High-volume streaming, newer devices |
What you get
A cloud transcoding pipeline built into your platform — automated ingest, adaptive-bitrate ladders, H.264/HEVC/AV1 encoding, HLS/DASH/CMAF packaging, DRM encryption hooks, and per-title optimization, for both VOD and live. Built into a new platform or added to an existing one. Your pipeline, your infrastructure — cost tuned, not vendor-metered per minute.
Why Apexnova for transcoding
- Cost-optimized ladders. Per-title and content-aware encoding so you pay for quality where it counts — up to 95% lower compute and delivery cost.
- Modern codecs. HEVC and AV1 where supported, shrinking your biggest delivery expense.
- VOD and live. One pipeline design that handles catalog and low-latency live.
- 30-day delivery, retrofit-friendly. Add or replace transcoding without a full rebuild.
Frequently asked questions
What is a video transcoding service?
Video transcoding converts a source file or live feed into multiple resolutions and bitrates, packaged as HLS and DASH, so every device gets a playable stream and adaptive bitrate can switch smoothly. Apexnova builds cloud transcoding pipelines for VOD and live, production-ready in 30 days and tuned for low cost.
Which codecs should I use — H.264, HEVC, or AV1?
It's a trade-off between reach and file size. H.264 plays on virtually every device, HEVC is about 40% smaller and ideal for 4K/HDR on modern devices, and AV1 is the smallest and royalty-free for newer devices. We build a ladder that serves the best codec each device supports.
Can transcoding reduce my streaming costs?
Yes. A well-designed bitrate ladder with modern codecs and per-title, content-aware encoding cuts both storage and delivery, which is usually the biggest streaming expense. We tune pipelines for up to 95% lower compute and delivery cost versus a naive setup.
Do you handle both VOD and live transcoding?
Yes. We build fast parallel transcoding for on-demand catalogs and low-latency transcoding for live streams, with the same packaging and DRM hooks across both.
Optimize your transcoding
Tell us your content type, resolutions, and volume, and we'll return a fixed-scope quote with a 30-day plan and a compute/delivery cost projection for your transcoding pipeline.