Overview
File transcoding is the process of converting media files from one format to another to ensure compatibility, optimize file size, and improve playback performance. MythIQ automatically handles transcoding for various media types, particularly for videos and images generated by AI models or uploaded by users.
The transcoding system is designed to:
- Convert files to widely supported formats for maximum compatibility
- Optimize file sizes while maintaining quality
- Generate multiple variants for different use cases (e.g., thumbnails, previews)
- Ensure consistent behavior across different providers and models
Automatic Processing
MythIQ's transcoding system works automatically in the background, optimizing your media files without requiring any manual intervention or configuration.
Transcoding Process
When a file is generated by an AI model or uploaded by a user, it goes through the following transcoding process:
1. Initial Assessment
The system analyzes the file to determine its format, quality, and characteristics. This assessment helps decide what transcoding operations are needed.
2. Format Conversion
If the file is in a format that's not widely supported or optimal for web delivery, it's converted to a more suitable format:
Converted to JPEG or WebP for general use, with PNG preserved for images requiring transparency
Converted to MP4 with H.264 encoding for broad compatibility, with additional WebM format for modern browsers
3. Variant Generation
The system creates multiple variants of the file for different use cases:
Small, low-resolution versions for listings and previews
Multiple resolutions for responsive web and mobile applications
For videos, static image frames are extracted to serve as previews
Image Transcoding
MythIQ applies several image transcoding techniques to optimize generated and uploaded images:
Format Conversion
Images are converted to optimal formats based on their content and intended use:
| Source Format | Target Format | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Any | JPEG | Photos and images without transparency |
| Any | WebP | Modern browsers, better compression than JPEG |
| Any with transparency | PNG | Images requiring transparency |
Video Transcoding
Video transcoding is particularly important for ensuring smooth playback across different devices and network conditions:
Format and Codec Conversion
Videos are transcoded to widely supported formats and codecs:
| Target Format | Codec | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | H.264 | Universal compatibility |
| WebM | VP9 | Modern browsers, better compression |
Adaptive Streaming
For longer videos, MythIQ generates adaptive streaming formats that allow players to dynamically adjust quality based on network conditions:
- HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) for iOS and Safari
- DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) for other browsers
API Integration
Transcoding happens automatically in the background, and you don't need to explicitly request it. However, you can access different variants of a file through the API:
Accessing File Variants
When you retrieve a file through the API, the response includes URLs for different variants:
{
"id": "abc123",
"url": "https://cdn.example.com/user/abc123/main.jpg", // Original or high-quality version
"thumbnailUrl": "https://cdn.example.com/user/abc123/thumbnail.jpg",
"variants": [
{
"size": "small",
"width": 256,
"height": 256,
"url": "https://cdn.example.com/user/abc123/small.jpg"
},
{
"size": "medium",
"width": 512,
"height": 512,
"url": "https://cdn.example.com/user/abc123/medium.jpg"
}
]
}Best Practices
Use Appropriate Variants
Choose the appropriate file variant for your use case to optimize performance:
- Use thumbnails for listings and previews
- Use responsive variants based on display size
- Only load the highest quality version when necessary
Consider Transcoding Time
Be aware that transcoding, especially for videos, can take some time. The API will return the file immediately, but some variants might not be available right away. Check the status field to see if transcoding is complete.