AVC/H.264: Ultra-fast encode-decode in broadcast-quality: MainConcept

AVC/H.264 is an ideal choice for maximum compatibility with nearly any video device or service, from ingest to playout. And, MainConcept AVC/H.264 is the best choice for superior visual quality, blazingly fast performance and reliability you can trust. MainConcept AVC/H.264 SDK delivers maximum flexibility straight out of the box, offering feature-rich options for OTT Streaming and Broadcast, robust low-latency support, and it is compliant with all profiles for professional 4:2:2 10-bit video production.

The latest version combines MainConcept’s renowned AVC/H.264 software encoding and decoding technology with the high performance of today’s GPU hardware processing from AMD, Intel and NVIDIA. The video decoder can output frames directly from a hardware surface when using hardware decoding on NVIDIA devices. Regardless of whether you target speed or quality, MainConcept EVA (Easy Video API) always enables the right processing for your workflow. Users get a one-stop solution for both software and hardware processing from MainConcept.

Product Highlights

Pre-configured encoding profiles
Numerous ready-to-use encoding templates, including streaming formats like DASH-264, Apple HLS, HTML5 and Blu-ray Disc, and professional camcorders like Sony XAVC and Panasonic AVC-ULTRA are included in the SDK.

Featuring MainConcept Easy Video API (EVA)
Software as well as hardware-based AVC/H.264 encoding and decoding compatible with Intel CPUs (3rd Generation Intel Core Processors and newer), Intel ARC GPUs, NVIDIA and AMD GPUs using the time-saving and cost-effective MainConcept EVA. The AVC/H.264 video decoder can output frames directly from a hardware surface when using hardware processing on NVIDIA devices.

Optimized decoding
Optimized AVC/H.264 decoding with improved multi-instance behavior for broadcast and professional production formats up to 10-bit 4:2:2 in software or powered by dedicated NVIDIA GPUs (Blackwell architecture) using NVDEC.

SVR360*
Go beyond the resolution limits in AVC/H.264 and encode 360/VR spheres in virtually unlimited resolution, to transmit the best possible quality—regardless of the projection method and zoom level of the viewing device.

Frame-Accurate Smart Rendering*
Encoder wrapper component providing AVC/H.264 Smart Rendering functionality for frame-accurate editing, cutting, and smart copy, including professional camcorder profiles from Sony and Panasonic.

Stream-analyzing API*
VESA API support in AVC/H.264 Decoder allows in-depth analysis of stream parameters, such as buffer, picture, slice, macroblock levels, and many more.

HDR conversion
Output in SDR or two HDR formats, you can also convert between the formats in real-time. PQ/HDR-10 to HLG, HLG to PQ/HDR-10, PQ/HDR-10 to SDR conversion as well as full support for SMPTE-2086 metadata complete the decoder’s feature set.

^*Optional features

Related Products

SDKs: Dolby Digital Plus SDK (Professional), OTT Content Creation, Transcoding SDK
Technologies: ARM, GStreamer, Hardware Encoding with Intel QSV, AutoMatch Encoding, MainConcept EVA
Applications: FFmpeg Plugins, MainConcept Live Encoder

Highest flexibility with MainConcept EVA – Easy Video API

Deploy our AVC/H.264 software and AMD, NVIDIA and Intel GPU hardware encoders as well as decoder via MainConcept’s Easy Video API to save integration time and costs. Compliant with AMD Radeon GPUs, Intel ARC GPUs and Core Ultra processors as well as NVIDIA’s RTX 50xx series, freeing the CPU from heavy video tasks. The AVC/H.264 video decoder can even output frames directly from a hardware surface when using hardware processing on NVIDIA devices.

LEARN MORE

AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK

AVC Video Encoder package supporting up to 4:2:0 8-bit, up to level 5.2 (4K60). Direct access to AMD AMF, NVIDIA NVENC and Intel QSV if present on the system ((Windows & Linux x86 only). Includes related audio and multiplexing components for formats that use MPEG-Transport Stream like Blu-ray, or MP4/MOV.

AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK Broadcast

AVC Video Encoder package that enables support for 4:2:2 10-bit (plus 4:2:0 8-bit), up to level 6.2 (8K). Direct access to AMD AMF, NVIDIA NVENC and Intel QSV if present on the system ((Windows & Linux x86 only). Includes audio and multiplexing components for formats such as MPEG-2 Transport Stream, MP4/MOV, and MXF formats like P2 and XAVC.

Encoder Addons

SVR360 for AVC/H.264 Encoder Broadcast	Allows encoding in virtually unlimited resolution, specifically designed to meet the needs of 360/VR applications.
AVC/H.264 Smart Rendering	Available for AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK and AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK Broadcast. Provides functionality for frame-accurate editing, cutting, and smart copy to speed up conversion of AVC source content.

AVC/H.264 Decoder SDK

AVC Video Decoder package that supports up to 4:2:0 8-bit video up to level 5.2 (4K60), and audio and demultiplexing components for formats that use MPEG-TS or MP4/MOV. Direct access to AMD AMF, NVIDIA NVDEC and Intel QSV if present on the system (Windows & Linux x86 only).

AVC/H.264 Decoder SDK Broadcast

AVC Video Decoder package that enables support for 4:2:2/4:4:4 10-bit and 12-bit video and unlimited resolution, with audio and demultiplexing components for formats that use MPEG-2 Transport Stream, MP4/MOV, and MXF like XAVC, P2 and more. Direct access to AMD AMF, NVIDIA NVDEC and Intel QSV if present on the system (Windows & Linux x86 only).