Table of Contents

Enum H264NVENCCoder

Namespace
VisioForge.Core.Types.FFMPEGEXE
Assembly
VisioForge.Core.dll

FFMPEG EXE H264 NVENC coder.

public enum H264NVENCCoder

Fields

Default = -1

Default.

Uses the encoder's default entropy coding method, which is typically CABAC for Main and High profiles, and CAVLC for Baseline profile. This ensures maximum compatibility with the selected profile.

FFMPEG behavior: Omit -coder option to use defaults

The default selection is based on:

  • Profile requirements (Baseline requires CAVLC)
  • Hardware capabilities
  • Performance considerations
Auto = 0

Auto.

Allows NVENC to automatically select the most appropriate entropy coding method based on the encoding parameters, profile, and performance requirements. Generally selects CABAC unless profile restrictions apply.

FFMPEG usage: -coder auto

Selection criteria:

  • Uses CABAC for Main/High profiles
  • Uses CAVLC for Baseline profile
  • May choose based on resolution/framerate
  • Optimizes for encoding speed when needed
CABAC = 1

CABAC.

Context-Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding provides superior compression efficiency compared to CAVLC, typically achieving 10-15% better compression. CABAC is the standard for Main and High profiles and is widely supported by modern decoders.

FFMPEG usage: -coder cabac

Advantages:

  • 10-15% better compression than CAVLC
  • Standard for broadcast and streaming
  • Excellent for high-bitrate content
  • Better quality at same bitrate

Disadvantages:

  • Higher decode complexity
  • Not supported in Baseline profile
  • Slightly higher encode overhead
  • May impact battery life on mobile

Compatibility:

  • Required for Main/High profiles
  • Supported by all modern players
  • Hardware decode widely available
  • Standard for Blu-ray and broadcast
CAVLC = 2

CAVLC.

Context-Adaptive Variable-Length Coding is the simpler entropy coding method that provides good compression with lower computational complexity. Required for Baseline profile compatibility and better for low-power devices.

FFMPEG usage: -coder cavlc

Advantages:

  • Lower decode complexity
  • Required for Baseline profile
  • Better for mobile/embedded devices
  • Faster decode on older hardware
  • Lower power consumption

Disadvantages:

  • 10-15% larger files than CABAC
  • Lower compression efficiency
  • Not optimal for high bitrates

Use cases:

  • Mobile streaming applications
  • Compatibility with older devices
  • Low-power decode requirements
  • When Baseline profile is mandatory
  • Video conferencing on mobile

Note: Some streaming platforms may require CAVLC for maximum device compatibility, especially for mobile apps.

Remarks

Specifies the entropy coding method for H.264 encoding with NVIDIA NVENC. Entropy coding is the final compression stage that converts quantized coefficients into the actual bitstream. The choice between CABAC and CAVLC affects compression efficiency, decode complexity, and compatibility.

In FFMPEG with h264_nvenc, this is controlled by the -coder option: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v h264_nvenc -coder cabac output.mp4