Transcoding is the process of converting one encoding format to another for digital media files such as video data files, audio files, or character encoding. It is a direct digital-to-digital conversion that can be lossy or lossless depending on the output format. Transcoding is commonly used in the area of mobile phone content adaptation, where it is used to adapt content to different devices.

The process of transcoding involves decoding the original data to an intermediate uncompressed format, which is then encoded into the target format. Transcoding can also involve re-encoding data in the same format for editing purposes.

Transcoding is important for video streaming because it allows for already encoded data to be converted to another encoding format, which is particularly useful when users use multiple target devices that do not all support the same native formats or have limited storage capacity. Transcoding can also help improve workflow by creating a copy of video files in a new format that will deliver better playback in editing platforms.

In summary, transcoding is the process of converting one encoding format to another for digital media files. It is commonly used in mobile phone content adaptation and video streaming to adapt content to different devices and improve workflow.