Transcoding/Encoding Integrations

In order for a digital media file to be playable (i.e., compatible) on a specific device, it must be properly formatted first. Converting a file from one format into another is known as encoding (also called transcoding). Given that there are dozens of widely used formats and over a hundred more obscure formats designed for very specific applications, encoding content so that it works seamlessly everywhere can be involved. Twistage's encoding solution simplifies and normalizes the process of digital media encoding so that your content looks and sounds high quality, regardless of who accesses it and how.

Encoding Services

The Twistage core includes a powerful encoding system, designed to handle hundreds of input formats and convert your content efficiently. However, due to our use of abstraction layers, it's also possible to swap out standard Twistage encoding and replace it with encoding from a third-party. You might choose to use another company's encoding service if you have very specialized encoding needs, or if you already have an existing relationship with an encoding company. Our encoding integration module makes doing so a point-and-click operation. Several popular encoding services are already pre-integrated into Twistage, and additional services can be made available once a corresponding pluggable encoding connector has been developed.

Encode your own content

For even more control over encoding, you may decide that you would like to encode content yourself. This is often recommended if your content is coming in from a partner in a format that's already been prepared in the desired output formats, in which case there's no need to re-encode it. (Digital transcoding is called “lossy” because each time a digital media file is encoded from one format to another, it will lose some quality due to the inherent nature of the conversion process.) Encoding content yourself might also be appropriate if you are starting with content in a proprietary or protected format. Even if you encode content yourself, Twistage can still extract technical metadata from the content as part of the ingest process; the metadata can be accessed within the Twistage console and via our APIs.