Image Encode Processing (IEP)

The NvMedia Image Encode (IEP) component supports encoding the incoming NvMedia Image (YUV) inputs to H.264, H.265, and AV1.

For a list of supported encoding features, see Video Encode.

NvMedia Image Encode Processing (IEP) APIs for NVENC supports the following features:

For H.264 encoding, the encoder has the following features:

• Accepts YUV frames as input
• Encoding common resolutions up to 3840 x 2160
• Supports H.264 Baseline, Main, and High profiles with level up to 5.2
• Provides frame-only encoding
  • For I-frame or I/P-frame encoding, the driver handles the picture type according to the Group of Pictures (GOP) and IDR period.
  • For I/B/P encoding, the picture reordering is handled in application code by assigning the picture type, and then sending it to the driver for encoding.
• Supports all intra-macroblock types (16 x 16, 8 x 8, 4 x 4, PCM) and prediction types.
• Supports inter-macroblock partition sizes from 16 x 16, 16 x 8, 8 x 16 down to 8 x 8, and skip and direct B-modes.
• Supports disable, temporal, or spatial direct mode for:
  • B-picture
  • One reference picture for P-picture
  • Two reference pictures for B-picture
• Supports multiple rate-control modes including:
  • Constant QP
  • Constant Bit Rate (CBR) single-pass
  • Variable Bit Rate (VBR)
  • VBR with minimum QP
• Supports dynamic slice mode based on byte size and static multiple slices in the frame.
• Supports intra-refresh mode with refresh period, and instant refresh P-picture.
• Supports adaptive 8x8 transform mode.
• Supports VUI and SEI insertion.
• Supports CAVLC and CABAC.
• Supports rotation/mirroring mode.
• Supports dynamic configure changes at the frame level:
  • SPS PPS output on next frame
  • Constrained frame encode
  • Instant intra refresh P picture
  • New SEI packet insertion
  • GOP length and IDR period update
  • Rate control mode change

For H.265 encoding, the encoder has the following features:

• Accepts YUV frames as input.
• Encoding common resolutions up to 3840 x 2160
• Supports H.265 Main profiles with level up to 6.0.
• Supports Frame only encoding.
• For I only or I/P encoding, the driver handles the picture type according to the GOP and IDR period. B pictures are not supported.
• Supports all intra CU types (32 x 32, 16 x 16, 8 x 8, 4 x 4, PCM) and prediction types.
• Inter CU partition sizes from 32x32 to 8x8, with partition mode of PART_2Nx2N, PART_2NxN, PART_Nx2N, PART_2NxnU, PART_2NxnD, PART_nLx2N PART_nRx2N plus skip.
• 1 reference picture for P picture.
• Multiple rate-control modes—constant QP, CBR (single-pass), VBR, VBR with min QP.
• Dynamic slice mode based on byte size and static multiple slices in the frame.
• Intra refresh mode with refresh period, and instant refresh P picture.
• VUI and SEI insertion.
• CABAC only.
• Dynamic configure change at frame level:
  • SPS PPS output on next frame
  • Constrained frame encode
  • Instant intra refresh P picture
  • New SEI packet insertion
  • Gop length and IDR period update
  • Rate control mode change

For AV1 encoding, the encoder has the following features:

• Accepts YUV frames as input (YUV420 only).
• Encoding common resolutions up to 7680 x 4320
• Supports main profile up to level 6.3
• Supports 8/10 bit encoding
• Supports Frame only encoding.