recompress

Recompress refers to encoding data that has already been compressed, effectively re-encoding it into another format, codec, or set of parameters. This is common in digital media workflows when a file needs to be converted for compatibility with a target device or platform, or when different encoding settings are required for distribution, storage, or editing.

In practice, recompression is often applied to video, audio, and image assets. It may involve transcoding from one codec to another (for example, from H.264 to HEVC), changing the container format, or adjusting bitrate, resolution, color space, or sampling rate. The goal can be to reduce file size, improve streaming compatibility, or standardize assets across a production pipeline. Recompression can also occur when applying edits or metadata updates to a master file.

Quality implications are a primary consideration. For lossy codecs, recompression typically introduces additional losses and visible artifacts due to sequential encoding passes. Lossless formats may preserve data if the same codec and exact settings are used, but practical recompression often adds slight overhead. Recompression can also affect metadata, color profiles, and synchronization, so careful testing is advisable.

Best practices include preserving an original master to avoid repeated losses, using lossless intermediates for editing, and selecting appropriate codecs and bitrates for the target use case. When possible, document the reasons for recompression and verify results with objective quality measurements and playback checks. Terminology varies; recompression is often described as transcoding, re-encoding, or recoding, depending on the context.