Pricing Options for VOD Encoding

When using Cloud Connect, Bitmovin dynamically scales worker nodes in your cloud environment on AWS, Azure or GCP.

Pricing is based on a simple fee per minute of video in each output, with rates that depend on the used features.

Yes, the output resolution is different depending on the size, as the computational effort increases with larger frame sizes. While one SD content minute (defined as frame height up to 719) equals 1 output minute, an HD content minute (defined as frame height between 720 and 1080) equals 2 output minutes, an 4k UHD content minute (defined as frame height between 1081 and 2160) equals 4 output minutes and an 8k UHD content minute (defined as frame height between 2161 and 4320) equals 120 output minutes. For frame sizes larger than 8k UHD custom pricing applies – please get in contact with our team via [email protected]. The resolution of the input video does not impact pricing.

Yes, different codecs are priced differently as they differ in terms of computational effort.

Codecs are mapped as factors for the per-minute prices. You can find the full list of video codec factors in the Encoding Minute Calculation Methodology point 3.2.1. An example would be HEVC with a factor of 2x. So, an HEVC SD content minute equals 2 output minutes, an HD content minute equals 4 output minute and so forth.

Similar to video codecs, audio codecs are priced based on the computation effort and the list of different factors can be seen in the Encoding Minute Calculation Methodology point 3.2.3.

Yes, due to the nature of multi-pass encoding, more resources are needed to perform the additional passes. Factors, similar to codec factors, are used to reflect that in the pricing. For 2-Pass a factor of 1.25 and for 3-Pass a factor of 2.0 is applied. Please note, that the 2-Pass Encoding Mode is enabled by default.

Bitmovin does not charge for errors caused by the Bitmovin Encoder or Platform. Any encoding job which results in an error caused by circumstances, not within the responsibility of Bitmovin, including but not limited to, corrupted input files, non-accessible output destinations, or misconfiguration, will be charged for the applicable number of billable minutes of output prior to the error.

In the event that an encoding job is canceled prior to the job’s completion, the applicable number of billable minutes of output prior to such cancellation will be charged.

We calculate billing in 10-second increments. So, the minimum duration for billing is 10 seconds. An output with a duration of fewer than 10 seconds will be charged for 10 seconds.

For a comprehensive and detailed overview of all factors within the pricing methodology please visit https://bitmovin.com/_emcm/. We are of course happy to help to calculate your use-case. In order to do so, please get in contact with our team via [email protected].