What is Stream Transcoding?

Stream transcoding simply put is the re-encoding of a stream that's in one format into another.

Why would some one want to do this?  Well, there are several different reasons.

Let's say for example that you are running two streams: A standard ShoutCast MP3 stream and a Windows Media stream that uses ad injection. And the ad injection software/service only works with the Windows Media stream.  So, how do you get your ads heard by those who are only able to tune into the MP3 stream?  By simply transcoding your Windows Media stream into an MP3 stream.

Another reason for transcoding is when your stream is in a format which cannot be connected to by using non-conventional players.  For example, if your stream is encoded using NiceCast, then it cannot be played using Windows Media Mobile, and some older versions of WMP. 

However, if you were to transcode your stream from NiceCast into Windows Media, then the problem is solved.

There is a downside to transcoding though which makes it an option that should be carefully thought about before using it.  Because all streaming formats are compressed, when you take a stream and transcode it from one format into another, it gets re-compressed. And as you know, the tighter a media file gets compressed, the more it's quality is compromised.

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