Learn · encode paths
VideoToolbox vs software x264: same file, different worlds.
On M2 Max, VT and libx264 were in the same ~100 s band for a 20-minute source. On a 0.5 vCPU container, libx264 alone took 2371 s. Linux CF cannot offer VideoToolbox at all.
| Step | M2 Max wall | Docker CF-shape | CF $ (rate-card) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VideoToolbox H.264 8 Mbps (20 min src) | 95.1 s | N/A on CF Linux | - |
| libx264 medium CRF23 | 102.8 s | 2371.1 s | ~$0.0474 |
Canonical: VideoToolbox vs cloud encode.
Buyer implication: encode APIs that declare VT intent need Apple Silicon runners.
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