FFmpeg has incorporated an encoder for the APV format that uses Vulkan to accelerate the process via GPU. APV is proposed as a free alternative to ProRes, widely used in professional editing environments like DaVinci Resolve. This allows for processing high-quality video faster on compatible hardware, facilitating work with high-fidelity material without relying on proprietary solutions.
How the new APV encoder in FFmpeg works 🚀
The encoder leverages the Vulkan API to offload compression tasks to the GPU, reducing processing time compared to the CPU. APV maintains the visual quality required for professional workflows, such as multi-layer editing or color grading. Being an open format, its integration into tools like FFmpeg allows developers and users to adopt it without licensing costs, as long as the system has a Vulkan-compatible GPU.
The GPU finally earns its keep (and its coffee) ☕
While your CPU was sweating bullets to compress video, the GPU was probably rendering memes or an animated wallpaper. Now FFmpeg puts it to real work. That said, don't expect your ten-year-old graphics card to join the party; you'll need Vulkan, which is hardly the standard in grandpa's tower. But hey, if your machine supports it, editing will no longer be a marathon.