Spin Digital has announced the launch of new versions of its live encoder (Spin Enc Live v2.0) and Media SDK (Spin SDK v6.0) introducing support for real-time VVC encoding optimised for live streaming and broadcasting.
The VVC encoder, originally announced in August 2022 and presented at IBC 202, has gone through further development, testing and optimisation, with the company now releasing it as a complete application as well as a SDK.
With VVC support, Spin Enc Live delivers broadcast-grade quality live video at noticeably lower bitrates, said Spin Digital. With higher compression efficiency and real-time performance, the VVC encoder facilitates next-generation applications, such as 4K and 8K live streaming, more efficient adaptive streaming, ultra-HD gaming, screencasting and virtual desktop, and higher quality live VR-360° and immersive video, added the company.
The main features of the VVC encoder include:
- High compression efficiency: The encoder produces 18 per cent bitrate savings at equal quality compared to HEVC for 4K video, and 27 per cent for 8K video. As a result, it is possible to deliver high-quality 4K and 8K video at lower bitrates.
- Better quality for high-end video: The encoder supports the major VVC coding tools resulting in higher visual quality, especially for large resolution and HDR video.
- High performance: The encoder has been extensively optimised for the latest generation of CPU architectures. As a result, the encoder enables, on a single dual-socket server, live encoding and streaming of 4Kp60 and 8Kp30 video. 8Kp60 is coming soon.
- Complete encoder features: Spin Enc Live incorporates modern encoder features such as preprocessing filters (scaling, colour conversion, tone mapping), advanced rate control (CBR and VBR, with HRD buffer conformance), and perceptually optimised encoding.
- Input and output modules: Including input capture from SDI and IP interfaces, and adaptive streaming over HTTP (HLS, DASH) and TS-over-IP delivery (UDP, RTP, SRT, RIST, Zixi).
- Improved streaming over HTTP: Spin Enc Live supports adaptive bitrate streaming using open Group of Pictures (GOP) coding. Compared to closed GOP coding, which is mandatory in current adaptive streaming services, adaptive streaming with VVC results in additional bitrate savings and, overall, better perceived quality.
Spin Digital has also released a whitepaper, a VVC/H.266 Real-time Software Encoder for UHD Live Video Applications, which can be downloaded here.
