Recording Studio

FFmpeg – record, convert and stream audio and video

FFmpeg is a hyper fast real time audio/video encoder, a streaming server and a generic audio and video file converter. It is a command line tool that is composed of a collection of free software / open source libraries. It includes libavcodec, an audio/video codec library used by several other projects, and libavformat, an audio/video container mux and demux library.

It can grab from a standard Video4Linux video source and convert it into several file formats based on DCT/motion compensation encoding. Sound is compressed in MPEG audio layer 2 or using an AC3 compatible stream.

The command line interface is designed to be intuitive, in the sense that FFmpeg tries to figure out all parameters that can possibly be derived automatically. You usually only have to specify the target bitrate you want.

FFmpeg can also convert from any sample rate to any other, and resize video on the fly with a high quality polyphase filter.

The FFmpeg project consists of two main parts: FFmpeg, which encodes and decodes the multimedia streams, and FFserver, which provides streams via HTTP for various multimedia clients. FFMpeg is completely portable since it does not rely on proprietary DLLs. Other components of the project include ffplay (a simple media player), and various libraries.

Features include:

  • Grabs video and audio.
  • Can also grab the X11 display.
  • Convert from one audio and video format to another format in real time.
  • FFserver:
    • Streams several formats at several bit rates and resolutions simultaneously.
    • Handles thousands of concurrent users.
    • Uses the HTTP protocol to be compatible with all major players including Icecast (aka mpg123, xmms, winamp), MTV (to play streaming MPEG video and audio), “Real” compatible players and Windows Media Player.
    • Allows time shifting of live streams.
    • One FFserver instance can stream from multiple live encoding sources and/or multiple static files.
  • FFprobe tool.
  • VorbisComment writing for FLAC, Ogg FLAC and Ogg Speex files.

Website: ffmpeg.org
Support: Documentation
Developer: FFmpeg team
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is written in C and Assembly. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn Assembly with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to Video | Return to Console Multimedia | Return to Video Converters | Return to Screen Recorders | Return to DVD Tools


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Please read our FAQ before making a comment.

4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Mark
Mark
5 years ago

Total pants, no longer makes videos that play on my DVD or TV.

Craig
Craig
5 years ago

Sounds like your system is broken.

UUUnicorn
UUUnicorn
24 days ago

WinFF is a great GUI (“Graphical User Interface”) front-end for FFmpeg.

If that fails, then try HandBrake.

Last edited 24 days ago by UUUnicorn