AVC/H.264 is undoubtedly today’s Number One video codec. Targeted to deliver pristine-quality video to mobile devices, 4K or 8K TV sets, or used in professional content acquisition and post production, AVC/H.264 delivers unmatched compatibility and robustness of a mature codec.
MainConcept’s AVC/H.264 SDKs are as flexible as the codec itself, offering ultra-fast and robust operation for OTT Encoding and Broadcast, low latency options for use with CMAF, as well as broadcast profile support for professional camcorder formats such as Panasonic AVC-Intra Class 50, 100, AVC-Ultra (AVC-I 200), Sony XAVC and XAVC-S compliant content.
Recent additions to the H.264 standard add HDR capabilities, as well as extended resolution up to 8K. With the optional add-on SVR360 it is possible to encode spheres with virtually unlimited resolutions for 360/VR applications.
GPU acceleration
Conveniently available in the same API, hardware-based encoding using Intel® Quick Sync Video can be licensed optionally. Using the encoding technology built into Intel ® Core™ processors significantly accelerates video encoding and offloads the CPU from heavy video tasks. The seamless integration into the MainConcept AVC/H.264 Video Encoder API facilitates integration of both software and hardware encoding modes into any customer application.
Key Features
Pre-configured Encoding Profiles
Many generic and ready-to-use encoding templates, incl. streaming formats like DASH-264, Apple HLS, HTML5 as well as Adobe Flash, and professional camcorders with Sony XAVC, XDCAM and Panasonic AVC-Ultra. Real-time decoding of many consumer, professional and broadcast AVC/H.264 formats.
2-Pass Encoding
Support for 2-Pass encoding to generate highest possible quality content. Suited for use-case where broadcast quality is the main requirement over performance.
UHD, 8K and HDR
Extended resolution encoding for 4K and beyond within the level limits of the AVC/H.264 specification. Enhanced contrast and color reproduction using either HLG or PQ transfer curves and SMPTE 2086 static metadata for full HDR-10 compliance and brilliant image reproduction.
Hardware-Based Encoding
Hardware-based AVC/H.264 encoding is compatible with Intel® CPU’s, starting from 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ Processors and newer using MainConcept’s renowned API.
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 to the viewer regardless of the projection method and zoom level in the viewing device.
AVC/H.264 Smart Rendering
Optional MainConcept Smart Render Package includes an encoder wrapper component which provides AVC/H.264 Smart Rendering functionality for frame-accurate editing, cutting and smart copy.
Stream-Analyzing API
VESA API support in AVC/H.264 Decoder allowing in-depth analysis of stream parameters, such as buffer, picture, slice, macroblock levels, and many more based on the ISO/IEC 14496-10 specification.
AVC/H.264 SDK Data Sheet
Detailed information and feature set overview of the available packages and their included components.
Licensable Products
| AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK | AVC Video Encoder package to create AVC-based media up to 4:2:0 8-bit up to level 5.2 (4K60) with related audio and multiplexing components to support formats including MPEG-2 TS based formats like Blu-ray or non-fragmented MP4-based formats and MOV. |
| AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK Broadcast | AVC Video Encoder package with support for up to 4:2:2 10-bit (plus 4:2:0 8-bit) up to level 6.2 (8K) and related audio and multiplexing components for formats including MPEG-2 Transport Stream, MP4 / MOV based formats and MXF formats like P2 and XAVC. |
| AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK for Intel Quick Sync Video | Optional add-on to the AVC/H.264 Video Encoder SDK enabling accelerated video encoding with significantly reduced CPU usage. |
| AVC/H.264 Decoder SDK | AVC Video Decoder package with support for up to 4:2:0 8-bit video up to level 5.2 (4K60) and related audio and demultiplexing components for formats that use MPEG-TS or MP4 / MOV. |
| AVC/H.264 Decoder SDK Broadcast | AVC Video Decoder package with support for up to 4:4:4 12-bit video and unlimited resolution with related audio and demultiplexing components for formats that use MPEG-2 Transport Stream, MP4/MOV and MXF like XAVC, P2 and similar. |
| AVC/H.264 Smart Rendering SDK | Add-on package for AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK and AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK Broadcast providing functionality for frame-accurate editing, cutting and smart copy to speed up conversion of AVC/H.264 source content. |
| SVR360 | Add-on feature license to AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK Broadcast allowing encoding in virtually unlimited resolution, specifically designed to meet the needs of 360/VR applications. |
Related Content
References
PlayBox Technology Case Study
PlayBox Technology Ltd. has licensed MainConcept’s HEVC/H.265, AVC/H.264, MPEG-2 and DVCPRO HD Decoder SDKs within their CaptureBox Neo and AirBox Neo solutions. Besides its market proven Codec technology, AirBox Neo is also using MainConcept’s SCTE-35 SDK for inserting Dynamic Ad markers on-the-fly into MPEG-2 Transport Streams.
FXHOME Case Study
HitFilm Pro is an impressive video editor and 3D compositor combines a non-linear editing solution with layer-based compositing and visual effects for filmmakers and motion artists supporting a wide range of formats such as AVC/H.264, MPEG-4 Part 2, MPEG-1/2, DV and DVCPRO for video, and AAC, AMR, PCM, WMA, MPEG and Dolby Digital (AC-3) for audio.
