Live streams and videos protocols and codecs
Output parameters after transcoding: bitrate, frame rate, and codecs
What is transcoding with ABR?
In a nutshell, transcoding is converting the original video from one format to another format with a set of extra qualities (ABR). Transcoding aims to make videos viewable across different platforms and devices and to expand the number of viewers, e.g., adding those who couldn’t watch the video in its original format. Learn more about transcoding with our in-depth article. Transcoding with adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR) works like this:- Decoding of the original video (list of accepted parameters for input video)
- Processing, including scaling (resizing,) frame rate conversion, aspect ratio conversion, and other types of video processing
- Encoding into the desired output format
Audio and video codecs
A transcoded video stream has the following codecs by default:- Audio : AAC, 44.1KHz, stereo
- Video : H264, 30FPS, ABR
Output parameters after transcoding
The table below shows the available output quality levels after transcoding. Video and audio parameters are optimized for adaptive bitrate streaming, providing smooth playback across devices and network conditions.| Video Quality | Resolution | FPS | Video bitrate, Mbps | Audio bitrate, Mbps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UHD 8K* | 7680 × 4320 | - | - | - |
| UHD 4K* | 3840 × 2160 | 30 | 14,000 | 0,196 |
| QHD 2K* | 2560 × 1440 | 30 | 7,200 | 0,196 |
| Full HD 1080p | 1920 × 1080 | 30 | 4,050 | 0,128 |
| HD 720p | 1280 × 720 | 30 | 1,800 | 0,128 |
| SD 468p | 832 × 468 | 30 | 0,800 | 0,096 |
| 360p | 640 × 360 | 30 | 0,450 | 0,064 |
| 240p* | 427 × 240 | 30 | 0,200 | 0,064 |
| 144p* | 254 × 144 | 30 | 0,072 | 0,064 |
| Audio only* | - | - | - | 0,128 |
Custom quality sets
We provide an optimized set of quality presets designed for smooth streaming across all devices. These settings balance quality and bandwidth efficiency, making them ideal for most users. However, if you have specific requirements—such as higher audio quality, cost reduction by removing unnecessary renditions, AV1 encoding, or custom settings for individual videos—you have full control over your transcoding presets. Each video can have its own unique quality settings, so you’re not limited to a single configuration. Default and custom presets work together, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune streaming quality as needed. Check out the API documentation to explore available custom quality sets. If you need assistance, our support team is always ready to help you customize the best option for your needs.How to apply 2K/4K+ and custom advanced settings
Some settings require manual control. If you need them, contact the Gcore support team or your manager. The basic tariff plan doesn’t include 2K/4K+ in the transcoding quality preset. For information about high-quality video processing costs, check our pricing page. To work with high-quality video, we’ll provide you with new quality presets and a new tariff plan. Additionally, you can ask to activate the following settings:- Use codecs H265 HEVC, VP9, AV1, etc.,
- Add 8K quality,
- Add super-low quality 144p,
- Change preset of output ABR qualities for all or some renditions, remove low-quality renditions,
- Use 60+ FPS or use original FPS values,
- Increase bitrate for audio; use 48KHz,
- Use Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos,
- Transmux VOD MP4 files into HLS on the fly.
- Transmux and “pass-through” instead of transcoding for LIVE streams.