Bitmovin is a video delivery company.
The way the company explained its encoding process is that it is somewhat analogous to the way data is divided into packets and delivered from source to destination over a variety of paths. In their case, they apply this concept to video by breaking up the video into segments that can then be analyzed and encoded at an optimized bit rate and using various codecs, like H.264, H.265 and the coming AV1. These segments would then exist on edge-based servers (the Content Delivery Network, or CDN). Based on available bandwidth, an end user would view the video pulling segments from any number of servers, potentially even with different encoding. The Bitmovin software is the coordinator of the encoding and decoding processes.
Bitmovin says its process will ultimately deliver better quality video with no increase in bandwidth. The process is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), or more specifically, machine learning. According to the company, “A standard encoding process involves performing an in-depth analysis of the entire video before encoding is started. Bitmovin’s AI-powered encoding technology works by continuously learning the parameters used in previous encodes, so that it can apply AI-optimized settings to every new video file. By enriching its containerized encoding software (which enables video to be split into chunks for more efficient encoding) with machine learning capabilities, Bitmovin is able to achieve both faster processing times and significantly higher quality with no increase in bandwidth.” The result should be improved visual quality of streams and the elimination of buffering to improve consumer satisfaction.
Bitmovin’s AI enabled approach involves the following steps:
- First pass: a rapid high-level analysis, using machine learning to identify appropriate encoding settings as well as pre/post processing steps for each part of a video. The AI is trained using library content and will continue to learn over time.
- Second pass: a more detailed analysis of each part, fine tuning encoding parameters to ensure the best visual quality. Each section is analysed in parallel, cutting the overall time needed.
- Third pass: applies the analysis, using an optimized bitrate throughout the whole file, ensuring improved quality and streaming at optimal bandwidth efficiency.
Bitmovin has also introduced its “Player v8.” It is a totally modular player, allowing service providers to select the exact functionality they need for their networks and content. A customized player can be up to 75% smaller than a fully loaded player with all possible modules, reducing the typical load time on a HTML page by up to one full second. It was developed to get consumers to the content they want as fast as possible, especially in low bandwidth networks. Developers can select from a range of modules including Ad insertion, digital rights management (DRM), Chromecast and Flash support. Using the perfect size player can improve the overall user experience and therefore reduce churn, the company says.
Based on HTML5, Bitmovin’s modular player can run on “any platform”, from smart TVs to set-top boxes, games consoles, smartphones and desktop. The player supports any video content, including High Dynamic Range (HDR) and 8K.
Bitmovin claims it has been a first mover in almost every significant development in online video, from building and deploying the world’s first commercial adaptive streaming (MPEG-DASH/HLS) HTML5 Player, to being the first to achieve 100x real-time encoding speeds in the cloud. All Bitmovin’s solutions are designed to be highly scalable, portable across any hardware and deliver the highest quality in the industry.
The company also announced that OTT service iflix will now use Bitmovin encoding to enable the delivery of TV shows, movies and sport in high definition video over low bandwidth mobile networks across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. This deployment will be based on using H.264.
Bitmovin has also just raised $30M in Series B funding, led by Highland Europe, to help expand its global customer base of TV streaming providers, internet companies and social media companies. This latest round brings the total investment in Bitmovin to $43M. The funding will allow Bitmovin to scale its product R&D, field engineering and sales teams worldwide. Bitmovin’s customers include Sling, Periscope, The New York Times, ProSiebenSat.1, Red Bull Media House, FuboTV, RTL and iflix – collectively delivering billions of videos to consumers every day.
Bitmovin’s founders co-created the MPEG-DASH video streaming standard that is used by Netflix and YouTube and delivers over 50% of total internet traffic. – CC
