Stream as fast as possible while client buffers

[marcsto]

Hi,

If transcoding to a file, the input is transcoded as fast as possible. When transcoding to an http stream, the input is transcoded and streamed at a rate equivalent to the playback (1 minute file will take about 1 minute to transcode).

Most clients buffer the initial part of a stream to allow smooth playback (for example, typical mobile phones buffer 5 or 10 seconds of an mp3 before starting playback from an http stream). We can get a huge initial wait time decrease if the first part of an http stream is transcoded and sent as fast as possible instead of at a reduced rate.

Can anyone think of a way to do this? Is there a command that can be sent to VLC that controls the transcoding rate? At best, I'd like to be able to send this command through one of the interfaces (http, telnet). I'd also be ok with starting up multiple VLC instances if the rate can't be changed dynamically.

Summary:
- first 5 seconds of file transcoded as fast as possible
- remaining content transcoded at normal http streaming rate

Thanks!
Marc