Transcoding means decoding media from one encoded form and encoding it again into another. It is common, useful, and often lossy.
Transcoding re-encodes the media.
It can improve compatibility or reduce file size.
For lossy media, it usually causes some quality loss.
Transcoding means converting encoded audio or video into a new encoded version. The file is decoded, processed, and encoded again.
For example, converting H.264 video to H.265 video is transcoding. Converting WAV to MP3 is also a kind of audio encoding workflow.
| Workflow | What changes | Quality impact |
|---|---|---|
| Transcoding | The encoded audio or video stream | Can lose quality |
| Remuxing | The container around existing streams | Usually no quality loss |
| Simple file rename | Only the filename label | Does not fix compatibility problems |
Transcoding means decoding media from one encoded format and encoding it again into another format.
Transcoding is one type of conversion. Conversion is the broader word; transcoding specifically involves re-encoding media.
Often yes, especially when transcoding from one lossy format to another.
Plex may transcode when the playback device cannot handle the original codec, bitrate, resolution, subtitle setup, or container.
Transcoding re-encodes the media. Remuxing only changes the container around compatible existing streams.