PeerTube: Adaptive Streaming For AV1 & H.264

Hey there, fellow video enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the world of PeerTube and explore how we can level up our video streaming game? I'm talking about getting the most out of our hardware while ensuring everyone, from mobile users to desktop powerhouses, can enjoy the content we create. Let's talk about the exciting possibilities of different formats per resolution and why it's a must-have for any modern video platform. This is especially critical when dealing with codecs like AV1 and H.264.

The AV1 vs. H.264 Dilemma

Let's face it: the video world is a complex beast. We're constantly juggling different devices, network conditions, and user preferences. And at the heart of it all are video codecs – the secret sauce that determines how efficiently our videos are compressed and played. Currently, I am able to use AV1 hardware encoding which is an amazing technology for video compression. AV1 is a newer, more efficient codec that offers superior compression compared to its predecessor, H.264. This means smaller file sizes and less bandwidth usage for the same quality. However, there's a catch: not all devices are created equal. While many modern devices and browsers now support AV1, a significant portion of mobile users are still stuck in the H.264 era. They simply can't play AV1 videos. This is a common issue when using platforms like PeerTube, and it highlights the need for a flexible solution.

Why Different Formats Matter

This is where the idea of different formats per resolution comes into play. Imagine this scenario: you're uploading a video to PeerTube. You're lucky enough to have hardware encoding for AV1, which results in a high-quality video with a smaller file size. This is great for users with modern devices and fast internet connections. However, what about your mobile users, who may not be able to play that AV1 video? The solution? Provide different versions of the same video, each optimized for different resolutions and devices. For instance, you could encode a 480p version in H.264 for maximum compatibility while using AV1 for higher resolutions like 720p, 1080p, and beyond. This is the heart of adaptive streaming and the key to ensuring everyone has a great viewing experience. This would allow PeerTube instances to use the superior AV1 codec where possible while still supporting the vast majority of users who may not have devices compatible with it. This is a crucial feature for anyone looking to build a successful and inclusive video platform.

The Power of Adaptive Streaming in PeerTube

Adaptive streaming is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity for any modern video platform. It’s like having a dynamic video that adapts to the user's device and network conditions. Here's how it works and why it's so important.

Benefits of Adaptive Streaming

• Optimized Playback: Adaptive streaming ensures that users always receive the best possible video quality based on their device and bandwidth. This results in smoother playback and fewer buffering issues. No one wants to see that spinning circle of doom, especially on a mobile device with a spotty connection.
• Device Compatibility: By providing multiple versions of a video in different formats, adaptive streaming ensures that all users, regardless of their device or browser, can enjoy your content. This is particularly important for platforms like PeerTube, which aim to be accessible to everyone.
• Bandwidth Efficiency: Adaptive streaming optimizes bandwidth usage, which is a win-win for both content creators and viewers. Content creators can save on hosting costs, and viewers can enjoy videos without consuming excessive data.

Implementing Different Formats in PeerTube

The most straightforward approach involves encoding your videos into multiple formats at different resolutions. For example, a single video could be transcoded into several streams: a 360p H.264 version, a 720p H.264 version, a 720p AV1 version, and a 1080p AV1 version. PeerTube would then serve the appropriate stream based on the user's device capabilities and network conditions. This is the goal when aiming for