If you’re considering streaming, there’s a term you may have encountered before: encoding. Whether recommending dedicated hardware or adjusting the parameters of your streaming software, encoding is an essential concept for Twitch and other live broadcasting activities. In Live Streaming Dictionary, we decode this concept with you.
What is encoding?
Encoding is a critical process in live streaming on platforms like Twitch. It basically involves converting video and audio data into a digital format that computers and internet-connected devices can understand. This allows viewers to watch content live on their devices regardless of type (mobile, console, computer, etc.).
To understand why encoding is important to Twitch, you need to understand a few basic concepts. For example: Inseparable from streaming software, OBS Studio, Streamlabs or XSplit. When you live stream a video game to your computer, the game produces images and sounds in real time.
This is where encoding comes into play. Live streaming software takes the game’s video and audio streams, compresses them, and converts them into the appropriate format. This process reduces file size. While maintaining visual and sound quality seamless transfer On various spectator devices.
Why do we understand what encoding is?
When it comes to hardware, encoding is also very important. If you’re streaming from a console, encoding is supported directly, but on PC the story is a little different. you can Configure settings specifically for live streamingThis means that even if you have one machine for encoding and another for playing (whether PC or console), you’ll want a powerful, multitasking processor.
If the encoding is not done properly, the live stream may be choppy, pixelated, or even completely cut off for viewers with slow Internet connections. Twitch also has specific encoding requirements to ensure an optimal viewing experience for all viewers, whether on desktop or mobile devices. Following these encoding guidelines will help ensure that your live stream is accessible to a wider audience and delivered smoothly and with high quality.
In summary, encoding is a very important concept that allows you to convey what you hear and see to your audience. The entire process is done internally, but you need to think about optimizing your setup.
