Inside Netflix's bet on advanced video encoding
What significant change did Netflix make to its encoding approach in 2015?
In 2015, Netflix began re-encoding its entire catalog with settings fine-tuned per title2. This new, title-specific approach allowed for better-looking streams over slower connections and resulted in 20% bandwidth savings on average.
How has Netflix's encoding strategy evolved since Aaron joined in 2011?
Since Aaron joined Netflix in 2011, the encoding strategy has evolved significantly. It started with encoding videos using predefined parameters for different bitrates and resolutions2. In 2015, Netflix switched to a per-title encoding approach, optimizing each video individually. In 2018, they began breaking down videos into shots and applying specific encoding settings to each segment. They also contributed to the development of the AV1 video codec and are now working on its successor. These advancements have resulted in 50% bandwidth savings for 4K streams and improved video quality.
What are the key challenges in encoding for live streaming according to Aaron?
According to Anne Aaron, the key challenges in encoding for live streaming include:
- Real-time encoding: Live streaming requires powerful encoding solutions that can compress and deliver video content in real time.
- Scalability: Ensuring the encoding solution can handle multiple bandwidths and resolutions to reach a wide range of devices.
- Device compatibility: The encoding solution needs to be compatible with various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, and set-top boxes.
- Network conditions: Adapting to varying network conditions to deliver a seamless viewing experience without buffering or lag.