Understanding the importance of software and hardware encoders for live-streaming
The importance of live streaming is increasing day by day. Broadcast any TV program or sports or create any live blogging; all are related to live streaming activities. Now, if anyone wants to know what is meaning of live streaming then you have to know the meaning of streaming. The meaning of live streaming is underlying in the term of streaming. In this article, you will learn about the basics of live streaming, encoders, and the difference between software and hardware encoders.
Streaming means to transfer the data from the server to the user without downloading the content. For example, you have to watch a movie. In that case, you have two options. One is to download the movie from the server or to watch the movie without downloading it from the server. Now, live streaming means transferring the data from the server to the user end in real-time. Live streaming is required for any live program. For example, to broadcast a live program, concert, or any kind of TV program. Besides, video game streaming and social media streaming are also examples of live streaming as in that case, the data has to transfer from the server side to the user side in real-time.
Now, you know about the basics of live streaming. If you want to know how live streaming works then you have to learn about the encoders, software encoders, and hardware encoders. The rest of the part of this article is about encoders.
What are the encoders?
Encoders play a vital role in live streaming. An encoder is a tool that converts raw video files to digital files. As the raw video file is bulky and it is not possible to transfer too bulky data over the internet, encoders prepare the raw video files to stream over the internet. While we encode the stream, the individual frame of the raw video file is converted into a digital file that is less bulky and easy to transfer over the internet.
Types of encoders
There are two types of encoders present for encoding the stream. One is software encoders and another one is hardware encoders. The main difference between them is that one is physical tools and the other one non-physical. The choice of encoder type depends on the streaming setup.
Software Encoders
Software encoders are digital tools used for encoding, and the process of encoding with software encoders is called software encoding. The greatest benefit associated with the software encoding is its availability. You can record any stream using a computer, webcam, or camera and a microphone and then can use an application to encode your stream. There are many software encoders present. Some open-source software like OBS is free of cost. Software encoders are mainly ideal for low-pressure production where multiple cameras are not working. The best use cases of software encoders are hobby streaming, Esports streaming, webinar streaming, small concerts or online classes, and live blogs. Software encoders will give you the flexibility. So, if you are new to streaming, the software encoders are the best choice for you. The best thing about the software encoders is that you can update it without purchasing a new one.
Pros
- Less expensive and sometimes free of cost
- Can be updated without purchasing new encoders
- Easy to use
- Applications often have extra production tools
- Sufficient for most users
Cons
- Less powerful than the hardware encoders
- Not able to provide a smooth experience when raw video files are bulky
- Not always sufficient
Hardware Encoders
Hardware encoders are separate physical devices that are designed for encoding. These tools are more powerful and give a smooth streaming experience as the device is dedicated to the purpose of encoding. Hardware encoders are more expensive than software encoders but ideal for advanced streaming. The best use cases for the hardware encoders are television-quality streams, live broadcasts of any sports, large music concerts, and other major broadcasts. In short, hardware encoders are the best option where bulky raw video files are present. Software encoders may struggle to provide a smooth experience when dealing with bulky raw video files. In such cases, hardware encoders are the preferred option due to their power and dedicated support.
Pros
- Dedicated support
- More powerful than the software encoders
- Great performance with extreme reliability and encoding speed
- Smooth streaming experience
Cons:
- More expensive than the software encoders
- Bulky
- Lack of functionality
- Difficult to upgrade
Conclusion
Which encoders you have to use completely depends on your use cases. If your use case is not so much power required then software encoders are the best option for you as the affordability is a big deal. But if you need to deal with high power and bulky raw video files then software encoders will not be able to provide a smooth experience, you have to use the hardware encoders in that case as hardware encoders are powerful.
