Can the Media SDK encode h264 without purchasing the MainConcept plugin?

[Matthew_C_7]

As I understand it, the Intel Media SDK can encode (or decode ) h264 video without the MainConcept plugin but after reading this article, I am a little confused:

http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/using-the-intel-media-sdk-within-mainconcept-h264avc-encoder-for-intel-quick-sync-video

Is it just that it is only hardware accelerated if using the MainConcept plugin?  What does the plugin add?

Thank you!

[Petter_L_Intel]

Hi Matthew,

The Mainconcept product you mention is a using Media SDK to gain access to HW acceleration. MainConcept developed a layer on top of the
Media SDK which I assume aligns with their already existing media framework. If you have questions regarding what additional features MainConcept provide beyond Media SDK I suggest you connect with MainConcept.

Regards,
Petter

[Matthew_C_7]

But the Media SDK does provide H264 encoding that is HW accelerated without using the MainConcept product correct?  Or it's only HW accelerated if I use the MainConcept product?

Thank you Petter.

[Petter_L_Intel · Accepted solution]

Intel Media SDK is required to gain access to HW accelerated encode. You can use the SDK directly to access this functionality. No need for the MainConcept SDK unless you desire the layer of additional features they deliver.