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Netflix To Re-Encode Entire 1 Petabyte Video Catalogue In 2016 To Save Bandwidth (variety.com)
An anonymous reader writes: Netflix has spent four years developing a new and more efficient video-encoding process that can shave off 20% in terms of space and bandwidth without reducing the quality of streamed video. With streaming video accounting for 70% of broadband use, the saving is much-needed, although the advent of 4K streaming, higher frame rates and HDR are likely to account for it all soon after. Netflix video algorithms manager Anne Aaron explained to Variety that certain types of video benefit little from the one-size-fits-all compression approach that Netflix has been using until now: "You shouldn't allocate the same amount of bits for My Little Pony as for The Avengers."
I suspect that by the time of this announcement they have already done the testing, so have a good idea of how much they can optimize. From the article, it's more about optimizing compression parameters to fit the source material rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
They can save about 500% of my bandwidth by just letting me perma-download Family Guy, American Dad, and Buffy, which I keep watching over and over and over again.
(-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
What problem is this trying to address?
Saving on bandwidth costs?
Providing a better streaming experience for customers on poor or throttled connections?
Storage space savings?
Getting the satisfaction of doing something better because why not?
Three words: Comcast data cap...
Peter.