Encoder Shootout: vMix vs ATEM Mini Pro

Next up in our Encoder Shootout series, we take a look at the quality of H264 streaming between vMix and the ATEM Mini Pro.
Here at LiveX, we created a mix of scientific and real-life testing process that will allow you to make your own judgments before hearing our opinion. The goal is not to crown a winner, but give you one more piece of information when choosing an encoder.
To blind test the different streams click below, watch the stream, then expand the description to find out which test you're viewing.
Test 25: bit.ly/4gBtLTn
Test 26: bit.ly/4gC509z
Test 27: bit.ly/47Jl0mk
Test 28: bit.ly/47GuBtQ
For more info, and to download assets for your own testing, check out the LiveX website here:
bit.ly/3KnfKdi
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[@anderstest5978]

It would be interesting to see the difference between software encoding and latest gen Nvenc on vMix.

[@MaximilianNadler]

Nice comparison Nicholas :)

[@SportFlow]

Vmix is using ffmpeg x264 libraries. Most of the prosumer encoders will look very similar at the end of the day. Once you step up to tier 1 encoders like ATEME TITAN, then you'll see some differences.

[@anderstest5978]

So the quality of the vMix encoding here could potentially be improved significantly? I see on the settings at 5:29 that the veryFast preset is used...

[@SportFlow]

@@anderstest5978 yes, preset "fast" is not the best since it prioritizes speed over quality. You can also increase quality by increasing the GOP size so given the same bitrate it will have better quality. But bear in mind that if you're producing sports with rapid shot changes then a large GOP is not desirable. Software encoding will have better quality thant hardware encoding most of the times but hw encoders are more reliable for 24/7 or critical operations. Everything is a trade-off. BTW, Ateme Titan is a software based encoder which runs on a COTS hardware (Dell Servers) but it is considered the best of its own. ATP tenis, UEFA Champions League, etc are probably delivered to our homes using Ateme encoders.

[@BillAshtonNelo]

Tim, Marten get on this.