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Video Encode Optimized

FFmpeg Builder: Video Encode Optimized

Tests and finds optimized encoding quality settings to ensure no discernible quality loss while balancing file size and compression efficiency.

Overview​

This flow element performs quality testing by sampling segments of the input video and evaluating them using VMAF (Video Multi-Method Assessment Fusion) metrics. It helps identify the best encoding quality parameters that meet your size and quality requirements.

Because it performs multiple encodes and quality assessments during the process, it can be slow—especially when using thorough modes or complex codecs. The process trades off runtime for precision and accuracy.

Usage Scenarios​

  • Use Balanced mode for routine encoding optimizations where a balance between quality and speed is desired.

  • Choose Fast Scan when you need faster feedback on quality, for example during iterative testing or in time-constrained environments.

  • Select Thorough if maximum precision in quality measurement is required, such as final pre-release encoding or benchmarking.

  • Use Custom mode if you have specific requirements or need to tune the testing parameters precisely to your workflow.

Parameters​

Codec​

The codec to use for encoding, such as h264, hevc, or av1. Defaults to hevc.

Encoder​

Select the encoder implementation to use for the chosen codec. Use Automatic to let the system choose the best available encoder, or select a specific one manually.

Mode​

Determines how VMAF is evaluated.

  • Balanced
    Moderate number of samples and segment lengths, providing a good compromise between accuracy and runtime. This mode is suitable for most typical use cases.

  • Fast Scan
    Uses fewer samples, shorter segments, and moderate FPS to reduce processing time. Suitable for quick approximations when encoding speed is a priority over precise quality tuning.

  • Thorough
    Performs extensive sampling with longer segments and uses the full native frame rate. This mode delivers the highest accuracy but requires significantly more processing time.

  • Custom
    Allows manual configuration of all sampling parameters, quality ranges, bitrate limits, and FPS settings for full control.

Max Size Percent​

The maximum file size allowed as a percentage of the original file to permit re-encoding. For example, 90 means only re-encode if the new file size is 90% or smaller.

Custom Settings​

Minimum VMAF​

The minimum acceptable VMAF score (0–100) to guarantee no visible quality loss.

Max Bitrate​

The maximum allowed video bitrate in kilobits per second (Kbps) for the encoded output.

Samples​

The number of video segments (samples) to use for VMAF quality testing.

Sample Length Seconds​

The duration, in seconds, of each video segment (sample) used for VMAF testing.

Quality Min​

The lowest quality level to try during optimization. Lower values correspond to higher quality.

Quality Max​

The highest quality level to try during optimization. Higher values correspond to higher compression and lower quality.

VMAF FPS​

The frame rate to use when calculating VMAF. Lower FPS (e.g., 15) can reduce computation time.

Max Iterations​

The maximum number of search iterations to perform during quality optimization.

Outputs​

  1. Encoded – Encoding quality settings were successfully optimized to preserve perceptual quality without discernible loss.
  2. Skipped – Video already meets quality and size criteria; no changes or further testing performed.