Low bitrate video has never looked better
AVC/H.264 is undoubtedly today’s number one video codec. Targeted to deliver top quality video to mobile devices, 4K or 8K TV sets, and used in professional filming and post-production, AVC delivers unmatched compatibility and the robustness of a mature codec.
MainConcept AVC/H.264 SDKs are as flexible as the codec itself, offering feature-rich operation for OTT and Broadcast, low latency options for use with CMAF, as well as broadcast profile support for professional camcorder formats.
MainConcept AVC has ultra-precise bitrate adherence for encoding on-demand video, meeting most quality and bitrate targets with one pass. Open source codecs often require two passes to meet the same targets–another reason why MainConcept AVC is proven to be 2X faster than open source.
Pre-configured Encoding Profiles
Numerous ready-to-use encoding templates. Includes streaming formats like DASH-264, Apple HLS, HTML5 as well as Adobe Flash, and professional camcorders like Sony XAVC, XDCAM and Panasonic AVC-Ultra.
2-Pass Encoding
Support for 2-Pass encoding to generate the highest possible quality content when broadcast quality is the main requirement over performance.
UHD and HDR
Extended resolution encoding for 4K and beyond, within the level limits of the AVC/H.264 specification. Enhanced contrast and color reproduction for HLG, full HDR-10 compliance, and wide color gamut.
Seamless Hardware 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–regardless of the projection method and zoom level in the viewing device.
Frame-Accurate Smart Rendering
Optional 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.
GPU acceleration
Hardware-based encoding using Intel Quick Sync Video is conveniently available in the same API and can be licensed optionally. 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 API enables the integration of both software and hardware encoding into any customer application.
Licensable Products
| AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK | AVC Video Encoder package supporting up to 4:2:0 8-bit, up to level 5.2 (4K60). 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 with support for up to 4:2:2 10-bit (plus 4:2:0 8-bit), up to level 6.2 (8K). Includes audio and multiplexing components for formats such as MPEG-2 Transport Stream, MP4/MOV, and MXF formats like P2 and XAVC. |
| AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK for Intel Quick Sync Video | Optional add-on enabling accelerated video encoding with significantly reduced CPU usage. |
| 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. |
| AVC/H.264 Decoder SDK Broadcast | AVC Video Decoder package that supports up to 4:4:4 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. |
| 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 source content. |
| SVR360 | Add-on feature to AVC/H.264 Encoder SDK Broadcast allowing encoding in virtually unlimited resolution, specifically designed to meet the needs of 360/VR applications. |
Case Studies
Endeavor Streaming
Endeavor Streaming is a large OTT platform provider powering streaming services such as UFC FIGHT PASS® and WWE Network®. Seeking faster encoding, they switched from the open source codec x264 to MainConcept AVC, resulting in 2X faster encoding more than 50% savings on encoding-related server costs.
PlayBox Neo
PlayBox Neo uses MainConcept AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, MPEG-2, and DVCPRO HD Decoder within their CaptureBox Neo and AirBox Neo solutions. Besides the market-proven codec technology, AirBox Neo is also using MainConcept SCTE-35 SDK for inserting dynamic ad markers on-the-fly into MPEG-2 transport streams.
FXHOME
HitFilm Pro is an impressive video editor and 3D compositor that combines a non-linear editing solution with layer-based compositing and visual effects for filmmakers and motion artists. It supports 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.
