FFmpeg for Adaptive Bitrate Production
What you'll learn
- Use FFmpeg to encode to H.264, HEVC, and VP9 outputs
- Create an encoding ladder for HLS and DASH distribution
- Install FFmpeg on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Create and run FFmpeg command strings on Windows and Mac platforms
- Understand video encoding basics like codecs, container formats, and encoding parameters like resolution, frame rate, and data rate.
Requirements
- Some knowledge of how to create batch files is required
- Some familiarity with video-related concepts like formats and resolution is helpful
- Some familiarity with compression-related concepts like data rate and codecs is helpful
Description
This course will teach you how to produce high-quality video with H.264, HEVC, and VP9 with FFmpeg and how to create fully packaged HLS and DASH adaptive bitrate output. You'll become proficient in FFmpeg and will learn the key fundamentals of video compression, encoding, and adaptive bitrate packaging.
The course includes downloadable batch files to accelerate learning and production with PDFs of all lesson files for printing and note-taking. It also includes a free PDF copy of my book, Learn to Produce Video with FFmpeg: In Thirty Minutes or Less (2018 Edition), a $34.95 value (check it out on Amazon).
The course starts with the technology primer that covers the basics of compression and encoding. Then it details how to install FFmpeg on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers and provides an overview of batch operation on those platforms.
The next section covers generic file configuration options you'll use for all codecs, including lessons on bitrate control, resolution, frame rate, I-, B-, P- and reference-frame settings. These are followed by lessons on H.264 and HLS, including instructions on how to use Bento4 to package for DASH and HLS.
The next sections detail how to encode and package with HEVC and how to encode with VP9. The final section details how to use line continuation characters in your FFmpeg scripts and concludes with a lesson on live encoding with H.264.
Who this course is for:
- Those who need to quickly learn how to encode videos with FFmpeg using the H.264, HEVC, and VP9 codecs
- Those who want to understand key concepts in video streaming and compression to make better encoding decisions
- Those who want to output full encoding ladders in DASH and HLS formats
Instructor
Ozer is the owner and chief blogger at the Streaming Learning Center. Ozer has been compressing video since 1993, and wrote his first book, Video Compression for Multimedia, in 1994. Since then, Ozer has written over 20 books on video production and compression, most recently Producing Streaming Video for Multiple Screen Delivery, and the Visual QuickStart Guide to Adobe Premiere Pro CC, both in 2013. Ozer has also published screencam-based instructional materials for multiple publishers, including Lynda.com, Video2Brain and Online Inc, and training and marketing screencams for companies like Adobe, NewTek, Matrox, Vislink, DVEO, Winnov, Telestream and VideoGuys.
As a contributing editor to Streaming Media Magazine, Ozer has tested most cloud, enterprise and desktop encoding tools, and has written many articles and tutorials regarding their use. Ozer is a frequent speaker on streaming and video production-related topics at industry events, including Streaming Media conferences, NAB, and other conferences worldwide.
Ozer consults widely on live and on-demand streaming and encoding-related topics, including preset creation, encoder usage and optimization, webcast production, streaming workflow efficiency, and online video platform selection. Ozer also produces streaming and production-related training for a range of enterprises, which have included Kroger, NASA, Lockheed, the Federal Reserve, the US Navy, John Hopkins University, and HBO. In the Virginia region, Ozer shoots concerts and other events for live or on-demand streaming and for distribution via Blu-ray and DVD.