Inside Netflix’s bet on advanced video encoding
Netflix is improving streaming quality and efficiency with advanced video encoding and is now tackling live streaming challenges.
Netflix has been at the forefront of video encoding optimization, led by Anne Aaron, the senior encoding technology director. The company has implemented per-title and per-shot encoding strategies, resulting in significant bandwidth savings and improved streaming quality, even on slower connections. By utilizing machine learning and advanced algorithms, Netflix has managed to consistently enhance its video delivery methods.
Netflix's contributions to the industry extend beyond its own platform. The company has been involved in the development of new video codecs like AV1, which has seen widespread adoption. Additionally, Netflix created a short film called Meridian to aid in testing and training video codecs, sharing it with the industry under a Creative Commons license.
As Netflix ventures into live streaming and cloud gaming, it faces new challenges. The unpredictability of live events requires a departure from the traditional methods used for on-demand streaming. Aaron's team is focused on achieving stability and resilience in their live streaming technology while exploring different approaches to meet the stringent latency requirements of cloud gaming.