Video Transcoding for the ATEM Mini Multi ISO Switcher

Creating high-quality videos often results in large file sizes, especially when shooting in formats like 4K. This can be a major challenge when you need to share files with editors, particularly if they are located overseas. Large files not only take up significant storage space but also make the process of uploading and downloading excruciatingly slow. This guide will walk you through the process of efficiently transcoding your video files using Adobe Media Encoder, reducing the file size significantly without losing quality.

Steps to Efficient Video Transcoding

1. Prepare Your Files

•  Start by collecting the video files you wish to transcode. These might be directly from your ATEM Mini multi ISO switcher, typically saved on a one-terabyte drive.
• Ensure that your files are easily accessible, ideally on an external drive that you can connect directly to your workstation.

2. Set Up Adobe Media Encoder

• Open Adobe Media Encoder on your Mac. This tool is crucial for batch processing, allowing you to transcode multiple files at once.
• Drag your selected video files into the encoder queue from your Finder.

3. Configure Output Settings

• Select all files in the queue and adjust their output settings collectively to streamline the process.
• Set the video format to H.264, a popular format known for its balance between quality and file size.
• Adjust the bitrate settings to optimise file size. For full HD videos, setting the bitrate to 10 Mbps should compress the files sufficiently without noticeable quality loss.

4. Match Source Settings

• If unsure about frame rates or other specific settings, use the ‘Match Source’ feature. This ensures your output settings align with the original files, maintaining the original quality where necessary.

5. Finalise and Encode

• Choose a destination folder for your transcoded files. This might be a local folder like ‘Downloads’ or a specific project folder.
• Click on the ‘Encode’ button to start the transcoding process. Adobe Media Encoder will display the progress and notify you once the files are ready.

6. Manage Presets

• For recurring projects, save your settings as a preset in Adobe Media Encoder. This allows you to reuse the same settings in the future, saving time and ensuring consistency across projects.
• Presets can be exported and shared, which is useful if different team members need to transcode files using the same standards.

Transcoding video files efficiently is crucial for managing file sizes, particularly when dealing with high-definition content. By using Adobe Media Encoder and following these steps, you can streamline your workflow, reduce upload and download times, and save on storage costs. This method ensures that you retain the quality of your videos while making them more manageable for editing and archiving.

You can review other related videos through the links below:

• Adding a Switcher to Your DIY Studio
• How to Connect Your DIY Desktop Studio on your PC
• Best Practices for Recording a Video