AV1 Encoding Capabilities and Limitations on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are inquiring about the AV1 encoding capabilities of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board. Specifically, they are interested in understanding the board’s ability to handle multiple 1080p streams simultaneously using AV1 encoding. This information is crucial for users to select the appropriate hardware for their projects.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Limitations: The Jetson Orin Nano lacks dedicated hardware encoders for AV1, which significantly impacts its encoding capabilities.

2. Software Encoding Overhead: Relying on software encoding puts a substantial load on the CPU, limiting the number of simultaneous streams that can be processed.

3. Performance Constraints: The Orin Nano’s specifications may not be sufficient for handling multiple high-quality video streams concurrently, especially when using CPU-intensive encoding methods.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Understanding Orin Nano’s AV1 Encoding Capabilities

1. Hardware Encoding: The Jetson Orin Nano does not have hardware encoders for AV1. This means all AV1 encoding must be done through software, which is more CPU-intensive.

2. Software Encoding Performance:

   • The Orin Nano can handle a single 1080p30 AV1 encoding stream using software encoding.
   • Attempting to encode multiple streams simultaneously may result in a significant drop in frame rate.

Alternative Solutions for Multiple Streams

1. Consider Orin NX:

   • If hardware encoders are required, the Orin NX module is a better option.
   • Refer to the Jetson Orin NX Module Series Data Sheet for detailed specifications: https://developer.nvidia.com/downloads/jetson-orin-nx-module-series-data-sheet

2. Explore AGX Orin:

   • For AV1 hardware encoding with support for multiple streams, consider the AGX Orin platform.

3. Alternative Encoding Formats:

   • If your use case allows for H264 or H265 encoding instead of AV1, consider the following options:
     • Xavier NX
     • Jetson Nano
   • These platforms offer hardware encoding support for H264 and H265, potentially allowing for multiple streams.

Best Practices and Recommendations

1. Single Stream Encoding: For optimal performance on the Orin Nano, stick to encoding a single 1080p30 AV1 stream using software encoding.

2. Performance Monitoring: When attempting to encode multiple streams, closely monitor the frame rate and CPU usage to ensure acceptable performance.

3. Consult Official Documentation: For detailed specifications and capabilities of the Orin Nano, refer to the official data sheet: https://developer.nvidia.com/downloads/assets/embedded/secure/jetson/orin_nano/docs/jetson_orin_nano_ds

4. Consider Use Case Requirements: Carefully evaluate your project’s needs in terms of encoding format, number of streams, and quality requirements to select the most appropriate Jetson platform.

5. Optimize Software Encoding: If you must use software encoding on the Orin Nano, consider optimizing your encoding settings to balance quality and performance, potentially allowing for more than one stream at lower quality or frame rate.