Transcodes

Question 1

What does transcoding mean?

Answer 1

Converting from one format to another

Transcoding can refer to both the action of conversion (verb) and the result of that conversion (noun).

Question 2

What characterizes a good transcode?

Answer 2

The file has never been converted to lossy, or only converted to lossy once

Good transcodes are acceptable and maintain quality.

Question 3

List examples of good transcodes.

Answer 3

• uncompressed lossless → compressed lossless
• compressed lossless → uncompressed lossless
• compressed lossless → compressed lossless
• uncompressed lossless → lossy
• compressed lossless → lossy

These examples illustrate acceptable conversions.

Question 4

What defines a bad transcode?

Answer 4

The file has been converted to a lossy format more than once, or from lossy to lossless

Bad transcodes are prohibited on RED.

Question 5

List examples of bad transcodes.

Answer 5

• higher lossy bitrate → lower lossy bitrate
• same bitrate lossy → same bitrate lossy
• lossy → lossless

These conversions compromise quality and are not allowed.

Question 6

True or False: A transcode can only refer to a file that has been converted to lossy format.

Answer 6

False

A transcode can refer to any converted file, regardless of the format.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: A _______ is usually used in a negative context regarding converted files.

Answer 7

transcode

The term ‘transcode’ often implies an undesirable conversion outcome.