Best Practices for On-Demand Streaming
Part 1. - Optimizing Input
Capturing from Audio and Video Sources
If you are encoding your own content, it is important to start with the best quality source. This section lists some possible sources:
- Serial digital interface (SDI) video. Used for digital video cameras and camcorders. Because the content stays in a digital format throughout the capturing and encoding processes, this results in the least amount of data translations, and results in the best quality video.
- Component video. Used when sourcing from DVD's. With this source, the video signals are separated, for example, into the RGB or Y/R-y/B-y format. Results in good quality video.
- S-Video. Used for S-VHS, DVD, or Hi-8 camcorders. The video signal is divided into luminance and chrominance. Results in good quality video.
- DV video. Used with DV devices, such as MiniDV digital camcorders connected through an IEEE 1394 video port. Results in good quality video.
- Composite video. Used for analog cameras, camcorders, cable TV, and VCR's. Composite video should only be used as a source as a last resort. With composite video, luminance and chrominance components are mixed, which makes it difficult to get good quality video.
- Audio. If possible, capture digital audio. If you must capture audio from an analog source, balanced audio connections are better than RCA.
