The transcoding server you never have to run.

Live transcoding converts a stream that is already encoded into different formats, resolutions, or bitrates in real time, while the broadcast is running. A typical case: a venue sends one 1080p60 H.265 feed at 8 Mbps, and viewers receive H.264 at a resolution and bitrate their devices and connections can handle.

Encoding happens once at the source, when your camera or software compresses raw video into a stream. Transcoding happens afterwards, converting that already-encoded stream into other formats, resolutions, or bitrates. In a Castr workflow, OBS, vMix, or a hardware encoder does the encoding, and the Castr transcoder re-encodes the result for delivery.

Because the feed your encoder produces is rarely right for every destination. Transcoding solves four common mismatches: a codec some players cannot decode, a bitrate too high for parts of the audience, a resolution or frame rate a platform will not accept, and an unbranded video you want watermarked. One contribution feed goes in, and each destination gets output it can use.

A video transcoding server receives an encoded stream and converts it into other formats in real time. Running your own transcoding video server means sizing hardware for every concurrent stream and keeping it healthy for the length of every broadcast. Castr replaces that with online video transcoding: create a transcoder in the dashboard, name it, pick the region closest to your encoder, point the encoder at the transcoder's ingest URL and stream key, and retire the transcode server.

ABR transcoding turns one incoming stream into a ladder of renditions at different bitrates and resolutions, and the player switches between them as each viewer's connection changes. In Castr you switch it on per stream in the stream's Video Settings while the stream is offline, on Premium and higher plans, limited to one stream per account. Feed that stream at 4,000 to 5,000 kbps so the ladder has enough source quality for its lower renditions. Choosing exactly which renditions the ladder carries, and at what bitrate, requires Ultra or Events.

Starter and Standard do not include a transcoder. Premium, Ultra, and Events plans each include one, with H.265 to H.264 conversion and adaptive bitrate transcoding available from Premium. Audio splitting, deinterlacing and interlacing, watermarking, and custom bitrate ladders require Ultra or Events. If one transcoder is not enough, the Castr team can arrange additional transcoders for your account.

Yes. Upload a logo in the transcoder's watermarking section and Castr burns it into the outgoing video, so it persists through restreaming and recording rather than being applied only in the player. The watermark renders at the size of the image you upload, so upload it at the size you want on screen. Watermarking requires an Ultra or Events plan.

Many video transcoding services bill per minute of processed video. Castr prices transcoding as part of a plan instead, so there is no separate transcoding invoice that grows with your broadcast hours. A custom transcoder is included from the Premium plan, and adaptive bitrate delivery also comes with Premium and higher plans. Compare plans on the pricing page, or walk through your outputs with the video team.

Yes. Castr’s video team will walk through your current setup, from sources and destinations to audience scale, security, and monetization, and confirm the fit before you migrate.