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Transcoding SDK

Simplify any video workflow with automated encoding presets

Make life easier with an all-in-one production tool

MainConcept® Transcoding Software Development Kit (SDK) is an all-in-one production tool that gives developers the ability to manage multiple codecs and encoding parameters in one place. It supports the latest encoders and decoders from MainConcept, including HEVC/H.265, AVC/H.264, Apple ProRes, DVCPRO, and MPEG-2. The latest version enables decoding, encoding and transcoding of officially approved Dolby Digital AC-3 and E-AC-3 audio, including Dolby Evolution Framework and metadata processing support.

The MainConcept API replaces the need to set conversion parameters manually by allowing you to configure the encoders with predefined profiles, letting the transcoding engine take care of the rest. The transcoder generates compliant streams across different devices, media types, and camera formats, and includes support for MPEG-DASH and Apple HLS adaptive bitstream.

  • Product Highlights
  • Specifications
  • Related Products

Product Highlights

Processing filters and HDR conversion
Includes ready-to-use video and audio filters for a variety of production environments and occasions. For easy integration, it also lets you use your own filters via the Transcoding SDK Filter API. For finishing, it includes HDR conversion to multiple formats as well as the ability to create SDR content compliant with non-HDR devices.

Specifications

Core API
  • Transcoding process control
  • Management of processing modules
  • Utility functions
  • Built-in processing modules

Input formats
  • DirectShow import (Win)
  • QuickTime import (Win + Mac)
  • GStreamer import (Win + Linux)
  • MPEG-1/2, MPEG-4 Part 2, VC-1, HEVC/H.265 & AVC/H.264
  • DV/DVCPRO, JPEG 2000
  • Apple ProRes
  • Avid DNxHD/DNxHR

Audio output formats
  • PCM/LPCM
  • MPEG Layer 1/2 Audio
  • AAC, HE-AAC
  • WMA
  • AMR
  • Raw DV
  • Dolby Digital Plus Pro (AC-3 & E-AC-3)
Video output formats
  • HEVC/H.265 8- and 10-bit (incl. IQSV & NVENC)
  • AVC/H.264 8- and 10-bit (incl. IQSV & NVENC)
  • MPEG-1/2
  • DV/DVCPRO 25/50/100 (HD)
  • VC-1
  • JPEG 2000
  • MPEG-4 Part 2
  • RAW/YUV

Muxer output formats
  • Elementary Streams
  • MPEG-2 Program Stream
  • MPEG-2 Transport Stream
  • MP4
  • 3GP
  • F4V
  • ASF
  • DV
  • DIF
  • MJ2
  • MXF
  • RAW
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Automated encoding parameters

We’ve integrated a full set of codec libraries, a huge set of ready-to-use presets and put a transcoding layer over them so you can take advantage of industry-leading encoding parameters because your developers don’t need to worry about the audio / video codec as well as multiplexer settings anymore. This enables fast deployment of file-based transcoding tools that can be controlled via command line or a server-side application.

Hardware encoding powered by Intel and NVIDIA

The MainConcept Transcoding SDK supports AVC and HEVC hardware encoding using Intel Quick Sync Video and NVIDIA NVENC on Windows and Linux (if supported by the GPU). Hybrid GPU-accelerated HEVC encoding is available on NVIDIA RTX, GTX and Quadro boards, delivering even higher performance at the quality for which MainConcept is known.

Pre-defined AS-11 UK DPP presets

Encoding profiles for AS-11 UK DPP SD (MPEG-2) and HD (AVC/H.264) for broadcast workflows, including the ability to load external XML metadata files for processing UK-shim compliant MXF files and optional generation of XML sidecar files.

MPEG-DASH & HLS VOD content creation

VOD encoding of your content catalog to adaptive bitrate formats like Apple HLS (both AVC and HEVC), DASH-264 (8-bit) and DASH-265 (8-bit/10-bit) in up to 8K resolution. Includes packaging as well as manifest and playlist generation.

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Products & Components

Transcoding SDK Base Package
Contains the actual Transcoding Core and all import modules for ingesting files as well as all MainConcept audio/video decoders and demuxers needed to import and decode the files.

Transcoding Core 
Input Modules: DirectShow, QuickTime, GStreamer, MPEG-1/2, MPEG-4 Part 2, VC-1, AVC/H.264, DV / DVCPRO, JPEG 2000
Video: HEVC/H.265, AVC/H.264, MPEG-1/2, DV / DVCPRO 25/50/100 (HD), VC-1, JPEG 2000, MPEG-4 Part 2, H.263, RAW/YUV, Apple ProRes, Avid DNxHD, Avid DNxHR
Audio: AAC, HE-AAC, PCM, LPCM, MPEG, WMA, AMR, Raw, WAV, DV, AC-3, E-AC-3, MP3
Format: Elementary Streams, MPEG-2 PS/TS, MP4, 3GP, F4V, ASF, DV, DIF, MJ2, MXF, RAW
HEVC/H.265 Encoder Package
Set of flexible HEVC Main and Main 10 transcoding profiles up to UHD, incl. Blu-ray UHD, DASH-265 and Apple HLS HEVC. Includes HEVC/H.265 accelerated GPU encoding by using Intel’s Quick Sync Video and NVIDIA NVENC as well as MainConcept Hybrid GPU encoding technology.
HEVC/H.265 SABET Encoder Package
Using Smart Adaptive Bitrate Encoding Technology that enables efficient accelerated encoding across HEVC/H.265 profiles of up to 10 output streams from a single source while maintaining equal high quality across all levels within an adaptive stream set. Includes HEVC/H.265 accelerated GPU encoding by using Intel’s Quick Sync Video and NVIDIA NVENC as well as MainConcept Hybrid GPU encoding technology.
AVC/H.264 Encoder Package
Numerous AVC/H.264 8-bit 4:2:0 transcoding profiles for many popular formats and devices, such as Adobe Flash, Apple HLS, Blu-ray, AVCHD, Silverlight, HTML5 and many Sony as well as Apple devices. Includes AVC/H.264 accelerated GPU encoding by using IntelQuick Sync Video and NVIDIA NVENC technology.
AVC/H.264 Broadcast Encoder Package
Extended AVC/H.264 transcoding profiles up to 10-bit High 4:2:2, incl. support for Panasonic P2 AVC-Intra / LongG and Sony XAVC professional camcorders, and the adaptive streaming format DASH-264. Includes AVC/H.264 accelerated GPU encoding by using Intel Quick Sync Video and NVIDIA NVENC technology.
MPEG-1/2 Encoder Package
Numerous MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 transcoding profiles for many popular formats and devices, such as DVD, Blu-ray, Digital TV, and many professional camcorders from the Sony XDCAM portfolio up to 10-bit 4:2:2.
DVCPRO 25/50/HD Encoder Package
DV, DVCPRO 25, 50 and 100 content creation, including Panasonic P2 DVCPRO HD and Sony DVCAM professional camcorder support.
JPEG 2000 Encoder Package
DCI compliant JPEG2000 stream generation ready for immediate Digital Cinema Packaging.
MPEG-4 Part 2/H.263 Encoder Package
MPEG-4 Part 2/H.263 transcoding profiles for creating streams compliant with older generation portable devices, such as Apple iPod, Sony PSP and many cell phones and tablets.
VC-1 Encoder Package
Ready-to-use VC-1 profiles for creating Windows Media, Silverlight and Blu-ray compliant streams.
Dolby Digital Plus Pro Encoder Package
Add professional Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus audio tracks up to 7.1 channels to many of your transcoding profiles if supported by the standard and format.
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