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Scaling Video Encoding With Node.js and Kubernetes
Using Kubernetes native scaling vs. a custom scaling service
Our Kubernetes cluster is a powerhouse for managing video content, including the vital process of video encoding. Imagine taking an ultra-high-definition movie and breaking it into a range of smaller, more manageable files — each with its unique resolution and bitrate.
That’s exactly what video encoding does. It’s a CPU-intensive task that requires our cluster to work at full throttle, like a marathon runner pushing their limits. But by scaling the encoders within the cluster, we can ensure it can handle the demands of the encoding process efficiently, delivering top-quality video to our users.
This article delves into the exciting world of automatic scaling for video encoders in a Kubernetes cluster. Discover how we tackled the challenges and succeeded in our journey toward efficient resource management.
The source code from this article is available in this GitHub repository.
What Exactly Is Video Encoding?
Have you ever tried to watch a video on your phone only to have it constantly buffer or freeze? That’s where video encoding comes in.
It’s the process of taking a single, high-quality video file and breaking it down into a variety of smaller files, each optimized for different platforms and internet connections. This ensures that the video can be played smoothly on various devices, from your phone to your smart TV.
It’s like having a team of skilled engineers working behind the scenes, ensuring the video is tailored to fit your device and connection. So, the next time you sit down to watch a video, take a moment to appreciate the magic of video encoding!
To ensure smooth video playback on Android and Apple devices, it is important to follow the official specifications for each platform. These specifications outline the necessary video stream requirements to ensure optimal performance on the respective devices.
One such specification is Apple's HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) specification, which outlines the video file requirements for delivering content smoothly on all Apple devices. See the…
