Postencoding

Postencoding is a term used in information technology and media processing to describe operations that occur after data has been encoded into a compressed or prepared form. It refers to steps taken to ready the encoded data for distribution, storage, or playback, or to add protections and metadata that are not part of the core encoding stage.

In multimedia workflows, postencoding often includes packaging the encoded bitstream into a container format (such as MP4, MKV, or an audio container), aligning and embedding timing information, and inserting metadata. It may also involve applying protections such as encryption, adding error-correcting codes, or implementing digital rights management and optional watermarking. These steps help ensure compatibility with playback devices, streaming pipelines, and storage systems.

In data transmission and storage, postencoding can encompass formatting and preparing the bitstream for a specific transport or storage medium. This can include packetization for network transmission, appending error detection or correction codes, interleaving, and other channel- and format-specific adaptations that occur after the initial source encoding.

Relationships to other concepts are important. Postencoding is distinct from transcoding (re-encoding to a different format) and from post-processing that occurs after decoding, which aims to improve quality or presentation rather than preparing the encoded stream for distribution.

The term is used variably across domains and is not tied to a single formal standard. Its exact meaning depends on the particular workflow, industry, and technology stack involved.