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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://gcore.com/docs/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

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Protocols

Gcore Video Streaming provides Live and VOD outputs in the main HTTP streaming formats:
  • HLS MPEG-TS,
  • HLS CMAF,
  • MPEG-DASH,
  • and MP4.
You can use the format that best matches your players, target devices, latency goals, and codec set. For VOD, these protocols are used to deliver adaptive bitrate playback from uploaded and transcoded videos. For Live, they are used to deliver adaptive bitrate playback of an ongoing broadcast with regular or low-latency.

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HLS MPEG-TS

HLS MPEG-TS is the traditional HLS format that uses .ts segments. It is the safest compatibility option for Live and VOD playback, especially on older devices, set-top boxes, Smart TVs, and legacy players.
  • Segment format: MPEG-TS (.ts)
  • Best for: Maximum compatibility and H.264 fallback playback
  • Live latency: Regular latency, usually higher than low-latency CMAF workflows
  • VOD usage: Reliable HLS playback for broadly compatible H.264 renditions
  • Codec fit: H.264 with AAC audio
  • Example manifest: 
    #EXTM3U
#EXT-X-VERSION:3
#EXT-X-TARGETDURATION:4
#EXT-X-MEDIA-SEQUENCE:0
#EXTINF:4.000,
segment0.ts

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HLS CMAF

HLS CMAF uses fragmented MP4 (.m4s) chunks. It is recommended for modern HLS playback and is required when HLS needs to carry newer codecs such as HEVC or AV1. For Live, CMAF can also be used for low-latency playback.
  • Segment format: Fragmented MP4 (.m4s)
  • Best for: Modern HLS playback, Apple devices, HEVC and AV1 delivery, and low-latency Live
  • Live latency: Low latency when configured with partial segments
  • VOD usage: Modern HLS playback for H.264, HEVC, and AV1 renditions
  • Codec fit: H.264, HEVC, AV1, and AAC audio
  • Example manifest: 
    #EXTM3U
#EXT-X-VERSION:6
#EXT-X-TARGETDURATION:2
#EXT-X-PART-INF:PART-TARGET=0.5
#EXTINF:2.0,
seg0.m4s
#EXT-X-PART:DURATION=0.5,URI="seg1_part_0.m4s",INDEPENDENT=YES

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MPEG-DASH

MPEG-DASH is widely used for Android, web players, Smart TVs, and advanced player workflows. It can be used for both VOD and Live, including low-latency Live. DASH commonly uses fragmented MP4 (.m4s) chunks, and can also be used with WebM chunks for VP9 workflows.
  • Segment format: Fragmented MP4 (.m4s) or WebM chunks, depending on codec and workflow
  • Best for: Android, web players, Smart TVs, multi-codec VOD, and low-latency Live
  • Live latency: Low latency when configured with short segments and chunked delivery
  • VOD usage: Adaptive bitrate playback with H.264, HEVC, AV1, or VP9
  • Codec fit: H.264, HEVC, AV1, VP9, and AAC audio
  • Example MPD structure: 
    <MPD type="dynamic" minimumUpdatePeriod="PT2S">
  <Period>
    <AdaptationSet>
      <SegmentTemplate media="segment_$Time$.m4s" initialization="init.mp4" duration="2000" startNumber="1">
        <SegmentTimeline>
          <S t="0" d="2000" r="4"/>
        </SegmentTimeline>
      </SegmentTemplate>
    </AdaptationSet>
  </Period>
</MPD>

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What is transcoding with ABR?

In a nutshell, transcoding is converting the original video from one format to another format with a set of extra qualities (ABR). Transcoding aims to make videos viewable across different platforms and devices and to expand the number of viewers, e.g., adding those who couldn’t watch the video in its original format. Learn more about transcoding with our in-depth article. Transcoding with adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR) works like this:
  1. Decoding of the original video (list of accepted parameters for input video)
  2. Processing, including scaling (resizing,) frame rate conversion, aspect ratio conversion, and other types of video processing
  3. Encoding into the desired output format
Discover in an article how we lowered the bitrate for Live and VOD streaming by 32.5% without sacrificing quality. For large VOD libraries, codec choice can also reduce delivery costs. Enterprise customers can use HEVC, AV1, and VP9 multi-codec VOD with premium transcoding to create more efficient renditions from H.264 libraries and reduce CDN traffic at comparable visual quality.

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Audio and video codecs

By default, Gcore transcodes video to H.264 with AAC audio. This output gives the broadest compatibility across browsers, mobile devices, Smart TVs, set-top boxes, and players. Default output:
  • Video: H.264, 30 FPS, adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR)
  • Audio: AAC, 44.1 kHz, stereo
Premium encoding can add more efficient codecs such as HEVC, AV1, and VP9. These codecs are useful for large VOD libraries, premium-quality catalogs, and workflows where lower delivered bitrate can reduce CDN traffic at comparable visual quality. For details, see HEVC, AV1, and VP9 multi-codec VOD.

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ABR output parameters after transcoding

The table below shows the default H.264 output resolutions after transcoding. Video and audio parameters are optimized for adaptive bitrate streaming, providing smooth playback across devices and network conditions.
Video QualityResolutionFPSVideo bitrate, MbpsAudio bitrate, Mbps
UHD 8K*7680 × 4320---
UHD 4K*3840 × 21603014,0000,196
QHD 2K*2560 × 1440307,2000,196
Full HD 1080p1920 × 1080304,0500,128
HD 720p1280 × 720301,8000,128
SD 468p832 × 468300,8000,096
360p640 × 360300,4500,064
240p*427 × 240300,2000,064
144p*254 × 144300,0720,064
Audio only*---0,128
*To enable these qualities, contact the support team. The values in the table are given for videos with a horizontal aspect ratio of 16:9. The values must be reversed for vertical videos. For example, if a horizontal resolution is (1280 × 720), the relevant vertical resolution is (720 × 1280). We use variable bitrate (VBR) for encoding video. The table above shows average values. The Gcore Customer Portal shows a sum of audio and video bitrates. Note : We don’t upscale videos. Your output will range from the lowest quality to that of your original bitrate. So, if you upload a 4K video, your output will range from the lowest quality up to 4K. Similarly, if you upload a 720p video, your output will vary from the lowest quality up to 720p only.

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Custom quality sets

We provide an optimized set of quality presets designed for smooth streaming across many devices. These settings balance quality and bandwidth efficiency, making them suitable for most users. In addition to premium encoding, Gcore can review and implement custom preset requirements, such as:
  • Higher or lower bitrate targets
  • Different ABR ladders for specific devices or regions
  • HEVC, AV1, VP9, or mixed-codec outputs
  • Cost reduction by removing unnecessary renditions
  • Higher audio quality or different audio settings
  • Custom settings for individual videos or selected libraries
Each video can have its own unique quality settings, so you’re not limited to a single configuration. Default and custom presets work together, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune streaming quality as needed. Check out the API documentation to explore available custom quality sets. If you need assistance, our support team is always ready to help you customize the best option for your needs. Gcore uses modern NVIDIA and Intel GPU encoding and decoding hardware in multiple regions worldwide. This helps process large transcoding workloads quickly and makes premium multi-codec preparation practical for large VOD libraries.

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How to apply 2K/4K+ and premium transcoding

Some settings require manual control. If you need them, contact the Gcore support team or your manager. The basic tariff plan doesn’t include 2K/4K+ in the transcoding quality preset. For information about high-quality video processing costs, check our pricing page. To work with high-quality video, we’ll provide you with new quality presets and a new tariff plan. Additionally, you can ask to activate the following settings:
  • Use codecs H265 HEVC, VP9, AV1, etc.,
  • Add 8K quality,
  • Add super-low quality 144p,
  • Change preset of output ABR qualities for all or some renditions, remove low-quality renditions,
  • Use 60+ FPS or use original FPS values,
  • Increase bitrate for audio; use 48KHz,
  • Use Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos,
  • Transmux VOD MP4 files into HLS on the fly.
  • Transmux and “pass-through” instead of transcoding for LIVE streams.

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Demo

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VOD demo

You can check a multi-codec VOD demo:
This demo video contains AV1, VP9, HEVC, and H.264 renditions, AAC audio, and English subtitles. Note that while Firefox handles VP9 playback successfully, Chrome currently does not support it for this stream. Video qualities include 360p, 468p, 720p, 1080p, and 4K variants. Direct links:

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Live demo

You can try our live streaming 1080p H.264 output in the embedded player:
The player shows live stream playback behavior for Gcore output protocols. Direct links: