Use source codec for encoded RTP passthrough

CMakeLists.txt

@@ -58,7 +58,10 @@ set(CVMMAP_LOCAL_CORE_DIR "${CVMMAP_LOCAL_ROOT}/build/core" CACHE PATH "Path to
 set(CVMMAP_LOCAL_NATS_STATIC "${CVMMAP_LOCAL_ROOT}/build/lib/libnats_static.a" CACHE PATH "Path to local cnats static library")
 if (CVMMAP_CNATS_PROVIDER STREQUAL "system")
 	find_package(cnats CONFIG REQUIRED)
+	find_package(cvmmap-core CONFIG QUIET PATHS "${CVMMAP_LOCAL_CORE_DIR}" NO_DEFAULT_PATH)
+	if (NOT TARGET cvmmap::client)
 		find_package(cvmmap-core CONFIG QUIET)
+	endif()
 else()
 	if (NOT EXISTS "${CVMMAP_LOCAL_NATS_STATIC}")
 		message(FATAL_ERROR
@@ -256,7 +259,8 @@ add_library(cvmmap_streamer_common STATIC
 target_include_directories(cvmmap_streamer_common
 	PUBLIC
 		"${CMAKE_CURRENT_LIST_DIR}/include"
-		"${CMAKE_CURRENT_BINARY_DIR}")
+		"${CMAKE_CURRENT_BINARY_DIR}"
+		"${CVMMAP_LOCAL_ROOT}/core/include")
 
 set(CVMMAP_STREAMER_LINK_DEPS
 	Threads::Threads

docs/encoded_passthrough.md

@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+# Encoded Passthrough From `cv-mmap` ABI v2.1
+
+## Summary
+
+`cvmmap-streamer` can now consume encoded access units directly from a `cv-mmap` shared-memory snapshot when the producer exposes the ABI v2.1 encoded plane.
+
+This is intended for producers such as `cv-mmap` with `video.backend = "udp_rtp"`:
+
+- `cv-mmap` receives RTP H.265
+- `cv-mmap` parses once and publishes raw BGR plus encoded AU in the same snapshot
+- `cvmmap-streamer` can forward or mux the encoded AU directly
+
+The video no longer needs a decode -> encode round trip inside the streamer.
+
+## Input selection
+
+`input.video_source` controls how the pipeline uses the snapshot:
+
+```toml
+[input]
+uri = "cvmmap://default"
+nats_url = "nats://localhost:4222"
+video_source = "auto"
+```
+
+Valid values:
+
+- `auto`: prefer encoded passthrough when the encoded AU plane is present, otherwise use raw encoding
+- `raw`: always use the raw left plane and the local encoder backend
+- `encoded`: require the encoded AU plane; fail if it is missing
+
+CLI equivalent:
+
+```text
+--input-video-source auto|raw|encoded
+```
+
+## Encoded passthrough behavior
+
+When `video_source` resolves to encoded mode:
+
+- no encoder backend is created
+- the streamer reads codec, bitstream format, keyframe flag, frame rate, and stream PTS from the SHM metadata
+- width and height still come from the raw left-plane frame metadata
+- the encoded AU is forwarded as-is
+
+Current assumptions:
+
+- codec is H.265 or H.264
+- bitstream format is Annex B
+- one SHM encoded plane contains one AU
+- time base is treated as `1/1e9`
+
+## Outputs
+
+### RTP
+
+RTP output accepts passthrough access units directly.
+
+- in encoded mode, SDP signaling and RTP packetization follow the codec from SHM metadata
+- `config.encoder.codec` is ignored for RTP while passthrough is active
+- raw mode still uses the configured local encoder and its codec
+
+### RTMP
+
+RTMP output accepts passthrough access units directly.
+
+- If decoder config is present, it is used.
+- If decoder config is absent, the output relies on in-band parameter sets from keyframes.
+
+For `cv-mmap udp_rtp`, this works because the producer republishes keyframes with VPS/SPS/PPS in-band.
+
+### MCAP
+
+MCAP recording writes the compressed video directly.
+
+- no local encoder is used
+- keyframes are written exactly from the encoded AU payload
+- depth and body-tracking recording continue to use the same raw/depth/NATS paths as before
+
+## Fallback to raw mode
+
+If the producer does not expose the encoded plane, `auto` mode falls back to the existing raw pipeline:
+
+- read raw BGR from SHM
+- push frames through the configured encoder backend
+- publish or record the encoder output
+
+This keeps existing producers compatible.

include/cvmmap_streamer/config/runtime_config.hpp

@@ -40,6 +40,12 @@ enum class EncoderDeviceType {
 	Software,
 };
 
+enum class InputVideoSource {
+	Auto,
+	Raw,
+	Encoded,
+};
+
 enum class McapCompression {
 	None,
 	Lz4,
@@ -49,6 +55,7 @@ enum class McapCompression {
 struct InputConfig {
 	std::string uri{"cvmmap://default"};
 	std::string nats_url{"nats://localhost:4222"};
+	InputVideoSource video_source{InputVideoSource::Auto};
 };
 
 struct EncoderConfig {
@@ -125,6 +132,7 @@ std::string_view to_string(RtmpMode mode);
 std::string_view to_string(RtmpTransportType transport);
 std::string_view to_string(EncoderBackendType backend);
 std::string_view to_string(EncoderDeviceType device);
+std::string_view to_string(InputVideoSource source);
 std::string_view to_string(McapCompression compression);
 std::expected<McapCompression, std::string> parse_mcap_compression(std::string_view raw);
 

include/cvmmap_streamer/ipc/contracts.hpp

@@ -51,6 +51,19 @@ enum class DepthUnit : std::uint8_t {
 	Meter = 2,
 };
 
+enum class EncodedCodec : std::uint8_t {
+	Unknown = 0,
+	H264 = 1,
+	H265 = 2,
+};
+
+enum class EncodedBitstreamFormat : std::uint8_t {
+	Unknown = 0,
+	AnnexB = 1,
+};
+
+constexpr std::uint16_t kEncodedFlagKeyframe = 0x0001u;
+
 enum class ModuleStatus : std::int32_t {
 	Online      = 0xa1,
 	Offline     = 0xa0,
@@ -163,22 +176,36 @@ struct ControlResponseMessage {
 struct ValidatedShmView {
 	FrameMetadata metadata;
 	DepthUnit depth_unit{DepthUnit::Unknown};
+	EncodedCodec encoded_codec{EncodedCodec::Unknown};
+	EncodedBitstreamFormat encoded_bitstream_format{EncodedBitstreamFormat::Unknown};
+	std::uint16_t encoded_flags{0};
+	std::uint16_t encoded_frame_rate_num{0};
+	std::uint16_t encoded_frame_rate_den{0};
+	std::uint64_t encoded_stream_pts_ns{0};
 	std::span<const std::uint8_t> payload;
 	std::span<const std::uint8_t> left;
 	std::optional<FrameInfo> depth_info{};
 	std::span<const std::uint8_t> depth{};
 	std::optional<FrameInfo> confidence_info{};
 	std::span<const std::uint8_t> confidence{};
+	std::span<const std::uint8_t> encoded_access_unit{};
 };
 
 struct CoherentSnapshot {
 	FrameMetadata metadata;
 	DepthUnit depth_unit{DepthUnit::Unknown};
+	EncodedCodec encoded_codec{EncodedCodec::Unknown};
+	EncodedBitstreamFormat encoded_bitstream_format{EncodedBitstreamFormat::Unknown};
+	std::uint16_t encoded_flags{0};
+	std::uint16_t encoded_frame_rate_num{0};
+	std::uint16_t encoded_frame_rate_den{0};
+	std::uint64_t encoded_stream_pts_ns{0};
 	std::span<const std::uint8_t> left;
 	std::optional<FrameInfo> depth_info{};
 	std::span<const std::uint8_t> depth{};
 	std::optional<FrameInfo> confidence_info{};
 	std::span<const std::uint8_t> confidence{};
+	std::span<const std::uint8_t> encoded_access_unit{};
 	std::size_t bytes_copied;
 };
 

include/cvmmap_streamer/protocol/rtp_publisher.hpp

@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ public:
 	UdpRtpPublisher &operator=(UdpRtpPublisher &&other) noexcept;
 
 	[[nodiscard]]
-	static std::expected<UdpRtpPublisher, std::string> create(const RuntimeConfig &config);
+	static std::expected<UdpRtpPublisher, std::string> create(const RuntimeConfig &config, CodecType codec);
 
 	void publish_access_unit(std::span<const std::uint8_t> access_unit, std::uint64_t pts_ns);
 

src/config/runtime_config.cpp

@@ -155,6 +155,19 @@ std::expected<EncoderDeviceType, std::string> parse_encoder_device(std::string_v
 	return std::unexpected("invalid encoder device: '" + std::string(raw) + "' (expected: auto|nvidia|software)");
 }
 
+std::expected<InputVideoSource, std::string> parse_input_video_source(std::string_view raw) {
+	if (raw == "auto") {
+		return InputVideoSource::Auto;
+	}
+	if (raw == "raw") {
+		return InputVideoSource::Raw;
+	}
+	if (raw == "encoded") {
+		return InputVideoSource::Encoded;
+	}
+	return std::unexpected("invalid input video source: '" + std::string(raw) + "' (expected: auto|raw|encoded)");
+}
+
 std::expected<McapCompression, std::string> parse_mcap_compression_impl(std::string_view raw) {
 	if (raw == "none") {
 		return McapCompression::None;
@@ -263,6 +276,13 @@ std::expected<void, std::string> apply_toml_file(RuntimeConfig &config, const st
 	if (auto value = toml_value<std::string>(table, "input.nats_url")) {
 		config.input.nats_url = *value;
 	}
+	if (auto value = toml_value<std::string>(table, "input.video_source")) {
+		auto parsed = parse_input_video_source(*value);
+		if (!parsed) {
+			return std::unexpected(parsed.error());
+		}
+		config.input.video_source = *parsed;
+	}
 	if (auto value = toml_value<std::string>(table, "run_mode")) {
 		auto parsed = parse_run_mode(*value);
 		if (!parsed) {
@@ -553,6 +573,18 @@ std::string_view to_string(EncoderDeviceType device) {
 	return "unknown";
 }
 
+std::string_view to_string(InputVideoSource source) {
+	switch (source) {
+	case InputVideoSource::Auto:
+		return "auto";
+	case InputVideoSource::Raw:
+		return "raw";
+	case InputVideoSource::Encoded:
+		return "encoded";
+	}
+	return "unknown";
+}
+
 std::string_view to_string(McapCompression compression) {
 	switch (compression) {
 	case McapCompression::None:
@@ -571,6 +603,7 @@ std::expected<RuntimeConfig, std::string> parse_runtime_config(int argc, char **
 	std::string config_path_raw{};
 	std::string input_uri_raw{};
 	std::string input_nats_url_raw{};
+	std::string input_video_source_raw{};
 	std::string run_mode_raw{};
 	std::string codec_raw{};
 	std::string encoder_backend_raw{};
@@ -612,6 +645,7 @@ std::expected<RuntimeConfig, std::string> parse_runtime_config(int argc, char **
 	app.add_option("--config", config_path_raw);
 	app.add_option("--input-uri", input_uri_raw);
 	app.add_option("--nats-url", input_nats_url_raw);
+	app.add_option("--input-video-source", input_video_source_raw);
 	app.add_option("--run-mode", run_mode_raw);
 	app.add_option("--codec", codec_raw);
 	app.add_option("--encoder-backend", encoder_backend_raw);
@@ -670,6 +704,13 @@ std::expected<RuntimeConfig, std::string> parse_runtime_config(int argc, char **
 	if (!input_nats_url_raw.empty()) {
 		config.input.nats_url = input_nats_url_raw;
 	}
+	if (!input_video_source_raw.empty()) {
+		auto parsed = parse_input_video_source(input_video_source_raw);
+		if (!parsed) {
+			return std::unexpected(parsed.error());
+		}
+		config.input.video_source = *parsed;
+	}
 	if (!run_mode_raw.empty()) {
 		auto parsed = parse_run_mode(run_mode_raw);
 		if (!parsed) {
@@ -938,6 +979,7 @@ std::string summarize_runtime_config(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 	std::ostringstream ss;
 	ss << "input.uri=" << config.input.uri;
 	ss << ", input.nats_url=" << config.input.nats_url;
+	ss << ", input.video_source=" << to_string(config.input.video_source);
 	ss << ", run_mode=" << to_string(config.run_mode);
 	ss << ", encoder.backend=" << to_string(config.encoder.backend);
 	ss << ", encoder.device=" << to_string(config.encoder.device);

src/ipc/contracts.cpp

@@ -173,6 +173,31 @@ namespace {
 		return converted;
 	}
 
+	[[nodiscard]]
+	EncodedCodec from_core_encoded_codec(const cvmmap::EncodedCodec codec) {
+		switch (codec) {
+		case cvmmap::EncodedCodec::H264:
+			return EncodedCodec::H264;
+		case cvmmap::EncodedCodec::H265:
+			return EncodedCodec::H265;
+		case cvmmap::EncodedCodec::Unknown:
+		default:
+			return EncodedCodec::Unknown;
+		}
+	}
+
+	[[nodiscard]]
+	EncodedBitstreamFormat from_core_encoded_bitstream_format(
+		const cvmmap::EncodedBitstreamFormat format) {
+		switch (format) {
+		case cvmmap::EncodedBitstreamFormat::AnnexB:
+			return EncodedBitstreamFormat::AnnexB;
+		case cvmmap::EncodedBitstreamFormat::Unknown:
+		default:
+			return EncodedBitstreamFormat::Unknown;
+		}
+	}
+
 	[[nodiscard]]
 	std::size_t span_offset(
 		const std::span<const std::uint8_t> outer,
@@ -198,6 +223,7 @@ namespace {
 		};
 		consider(metadata.depth_plane);
 		consider(metadata.confidence_plane);
+		consider(metadata.encoded_access_unit);
 		return payload_bytes;
 	}
 
@@ -420,6 +446,13 @@ std::expected<ValidatedShmView, ParseError> validate_shm_region(std::span<const
 	return ValidatedShmView{
 		.metadata = from_core_metadata(metadata_result->normalized_metadata),
 		.depth_unit = from_core_depth_unit(metadata_result->depth_unit),
+		.encoded_codec = from_core_encoded_codec(metadata_result->encoded_codec),
+		.encoded_bitstream_format =
+			from_core_encoded_bitstream_format(metadata_result->encoded_bitstream_format),
+		.encoded_flags = metadata_result->encoded_flags,
+		.encoded_frame_rate_num = metadata_result->encoded_frame_rate_num,
+		.encoded_frame_rate_den = metadata_result->encoded_frame_rate_den,
+		.encoded_stream_pts_ns = metadata_result->encoded_stream_pts_ns,
 		.payload  = payload_region.first(payload_bytes),
 		.left = metadata_result->left_plane,
 		.depth_info = metadata_result->depth_info
@@ -429,7 +462,8 @@ std::expected<ValidatedShmView, ParseError> validate_shm_region(std::span<const
 		.confidence_info = metadata_result->confidence_info
 			? std::optional<FrameInfo>(from_core_frame_info(*metadata_result->confidence_info))
 			: std::nullopt,
-		.confidence = metadata_result->confidence_plane};
+		.confidence = metadata_result->confidence_plane,
+		.encoded_access_unit = metadata_result->encoded_access_unit};
 }
 
 std::expected<CoherentSnapshot, SnapshotError> read_coherent_snapshot(
@@ -466,11 +500,18 @@ std::expected<CoherentSnapshot, SnapshotError> read_coherent_snapshot(
 	return CoherentSnapshot{
 		.metadata     = first->metadata,
 		.depth_unit   = first->depth_unit,
+		.encoded_codec = first->encoded_codec,
+		.encoded_bitstream_format = first->encoded_bitstream_format,
+		.encoded_flags = first->encoded_flags,
+		.encoded_frame_rate_num = first->encoded_frame_rate_num,
+		.encoded_frame_rate_den = first->encoded_frame_rate_den,
+		.encoded_stream_pts_ns = first->encoded_stream_pts_ns,
 		.left         = translate_span(first->payload, copied_payload, first->left),
 		.depth_info   = first->depth_info,
 		.depth        = translate_span(first->payload, copied_payload, first->depth),
 		.confidence_info = first->confidence_info,
 		.confidence   = translate_span(first->payload, copied_payload, first->confidence),
+		.encoded_access_unit = translate_span(first->payload, copied_payload, first->encoded_access_unit),
 		.bytes_copied = first->payload.size()};
 }
 

src/pipeline/pipeline_runtime.cpp

@@ -243,6 +243,90 @@ std::expected<record::RawDepthMapView, std::string> make_depth_map_view(const ip
 	};
 }
 
+[[nodiscard]]
+bool snapshot_has_encoded_access_unit(const ipc::CoherentSnapshot &snapshot) {
+	return !snapshot.encoded_access_unit.empty() &&
+		   snapshot.encoded_codec != ipc::EncodedCodec::Unknown &&
+		   snapshot.encoded_bitstream_format == ipc::EncodedBitstreamFormat::AnnexB;
+}
+
+[[nodiscard]]
+std::expected<CodecType, std::string> codec_type_from_snapshot(const ipc::CoherentSnapshot &snapshot) {
+	switch (snapshot.encoded_codec) {
+	case ipc::EncodedCodec::H264:
+		return CodecType::H264;
+	case ipc::EncodedCodec::H265:
+		return CodecType::H265;
+	case ipc::EncodedCodec::Unknown:
+	default:
+		return std::unexpected("encoded snapshot codec is unsupported");
+	}
+}
+
+[[nodiscard]]
+std::expected<encode::EncodedStreamInfo, std::string> make_stream_info_from_snapshot(
+	const ipc::CoherentSnapshot &snapshot) {
+	auto codec = codec_type_from_snapshot(snapshot);
+	if (!codec) {
+		return std::unexpected(codec.error());
+	}
+	if (snapshot.encoded_bitstream_format != ipc::EncodedBitstreamFormat::AnnexB) {
+		return std::unexpected("encoded snapshot bitstream format is unsupported");
+	}
+	if (snapshot.metadata.info.width == 0 || snapshot.metadata.info.height == 0) {
+		return std::unexpected("encoded snapshot dimensions are invalid");
+	}
+
+	encode::EncodedStreamInfo stream_info{};
+	stream_info.codec = *codec;
+	stream_info.width = snapshot.metadata.info.width;
+	stream_info.height = snapshot.metadata.info.height;
+	stream_info.time_base_num = 1;
+	stream_info.time_base_den = 1'000'000'000u;
+	stream_info.frame_rate_num = snapshot.encoded_frame_rate_num == 0 ? 30u : snapshot.encoded_frame_rate_num;
+	stream_info.frame_rate_den = snapshot.encoded_frame_rate_den == 0 ? 1u : snapshot.encoded_frame_rate_den;
+	stream_info.bitstream_format = encode::EncodedBitstreamFormat::AnnexB;
+	stream_info.decoder_config.clear();
+	return stream_info;
+}
+
+[[nodiscard]]
+std::expected<encode::EncodedAccessUnit, std::string> make_access_unit_from_snapshot(
+	const ipc::CoherentSnapshot &snapshot) {
+	auto codec = codec_type_from_snapshot(snapshot);
+	if (!codec) {
+		return std::unexpected(codec.error());
+	}
+	if (snapshot.encoded_access_unit.empty()) {
+		return std::unexpected("encoded snapshot access unit is empty");
+	}
+
+	encode::EncodedAccessUnit access_unit{};
+	access_unit.codec = *codec;
+	access_unit.source_timestamp_ns = snapshot.metadata.timestamp_ns;
+	access_unit.stream_pts_ns =
+		snapshot.encoded_stream_pts_ns == 0 ? snapshot.metadata.timestamp_ns : snapshot.encoded_stream_pts_ns;
+	access_unit.keyframe = (snapshot.encoded_flags & ipc::kEncodedFlagKeyframe) != 0;
+	access_unit.annexb_bytes.assign(
+		snapshot.encoded_access_unit.begin(),
+		snapshot.encoded_access_unit.end());
+	return access_unit;
+}
+
+[[nodiscard]]
+bool stream_info_equal(
+	const encode::EncodedStreamInfo &lhs,
+	const encode::EncodedStreamInfo &rhs) {
+	return lhs.codec == rhs.codec &&
+		   lhs.width == rhs.width &&
+		   lhs.height == rhs.height &&
+		   lhs.time_base_num == rhs.time_base_num &&
+		   lhs.time_base_den == rhs.time_base_den &&
+		   lhs.frame_rate_num == rhs.frame_rate_num &&
+		   lhs.frame_rate_den == rhs.frame_rate_den &&
+		   lhs.bitstream_format == rhs.bitstream_format;
+}
+
 [[nodiscard]]
 std::uint64_t body_tracking_timestamp_ns(const cvmmap::body_tracking_frame_t &frame) {
 	if (frame.header.timestamp_ns != 0) {
@@ -559,11 +643,7 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 		return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::InputError);
 	}
 
-	auto backend = encode::make_encoder_backend(config);
+	std::optional<encode::EncoderBackend> backend{};
-	if (!backend) {
-		spdlog::error("pipeline encoder backend selection failed: {}", format_error(backend.error()));
-		return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::InitializationError);
-	}
 
 	auto shm = SharedMemoryView::open_readonly(input_endpoints->shm_name);
 	if (!shm) {
@@ -655,20 +735,13 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 		return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::SubscriberError);
 	}
 
-	if (config.outputs.rtp.enabled) {
-		auto created = protocol::UdpRtpPublisher::create(config);
-		if (!created) {
-			spdlog::error("pipeline RTP publisher init failed: {}", created.error());
-			return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::InitializationError);
-		}
-		rtp_publisher.emplace(std::move(*created));
-	}
-
 	PipelineStats stats{};
 	metrics::IngestEmitLatencyTracker latency_tracker{};
 	bool producer_offline{false};
 	bool started{false};
+	bool using_encoded_input{false};
 	std::optional<ipc::FrameInfo> active_info{};
+	std::optional<encode::EncodedStreamInfo> active_stream_info{};
 	std::optional<ipc::FrameInfo> restart_target_info{};
 	bool restart_pending{false};
 	bool warned_unknown_depth_unit{false};
@@ -678,33 +751,52 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 			stats.supervised_restarts += 1;
 		}
 		spdlog::warn(
-			"PIPELINE_RESTART backend={} reason='{}' restarts={}",
+			"PIPELINE_RESTART mode={} reason='{}' restarts={}",
-			(*backend)->backend_name(),
+			using_encoded_input
+				? "encoded_passthrough"
+				: (backend ? std::string((*backend)->backend_name()) : std::string("encoder_uninitialized")),
 			reason,
 			stats.supervised_restarts);
+		if (backend) {
 			(*backend)->shutdown();
+		}
 		started = false;
 		restart_pending = true;
 		restart_target_info = target_info;
 		warned_unknown_depth_unit = false;
+		using_encoded_input = false;
+		active_stream_info.reset();
+		rtp_publisher.reset();
 		rtmp_output.reset();
 	};
 
-	const auto attempt_backend_start = [&](const ipc::FrameInfo &target_info) -> Status {
+	const auto ensure_encoder_backend = [&]() -> Status {
-		(*backend)->shutdown();
+		if (backend) {
+			return {};
+		}
+		auto created = encode::make_encoder_backend(config);
+		if (!created) {
+			return std::unexpected(created.error());
+		}
+		backend.emplace(std::move(*created));
+		return {};
+	};
+
+	const auto start_outputs_from_stream_info =
+		[&](const encode::EncodedStreamInfo &stream_info, const ipc::FrameInfo &target_info) -> Status {
+		rtp_publisher.reset();
 		rtmp_output.reset();
-		auto init = (*backend)->init(config, target_info);
+		if (config.outputs.rtp.enabled) {
-		if (!init) {
+			auto created = protocol::UdpRtpPublisher::create(config, stream_info.codec);
-			return std::unexpected(init.error());
+			if (!created) {
+				return unexpected_error(
+					ERR_INTERNAL,
+					"pipeline RTP publisher init failed: " + created.error());
+			}
+			rtp_publisher.emplace(std::move(*created));
 		}
 		if (config.outputs.rtmp.enabled) {
-			auto stream_info = (*backend)->stream_info();
+			auto created = protocol::make_rtmp_output(config, stream_info);
-			if (!stream_info) {
-				return unexpected_error(
-					stream_info.error().code,
-					"pipeline RTMP output stream info unavailable: " + format_error(stream_info.error()));
-			}
-			auto created = protocol::make_rtmp_output(config, *stream_info);
 			if (!created) {
 				return unexpected_error(
 					created.error().code,
@@ -712,17 +804,11 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 			}
 			rtmp_output.emplace(std::move(*created));
 		}
-		auto stream_info = (*backend)->stream_info();
+		update_mcap_stream_info(mcap_recorder, stream_info);
-		if (!stream_info) {
-			return unexpected_error(
-				stream_info.error().code,
-				"pipeline encoder stream info unavailable: " + format_error(stream_info.error()));
-		}
-		update_mcap_stream_info(mcap_recorder, *stream_info);
 		if (config.record.mcap.enabled) {
 			std::lock_guard lock(mcap_recorder.mutex);
 			if (!mcap_recorder.sink) {
-				auto created = record::McapRecordSink::create(config, *stream_info);
+				auto created = record::McapRecordSink::create(config, stream_info);
 				if (!created) {
 					return unexpected_error(
 						ERR_INTERNAL,
@@ -742,9 +828,43 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 		restart_target_info.reset();
 		warned_unknown_depth_unit = false;
 		active_info = target_info;
+		active_stream_info = stream_info;
 		return {};
 	};
 
+	const auto attempt_raw_backend_start = [&](const ipc::FrameInfo &target_info) -> Status {
+		auto ensure = ensure_encoder_backend();
+		if (!ensure) {
+			return ensure;
+		}
+		(*backend)->shutdown();
+		auto init = (*backend)->init(config, target_info);
+		if (!init) {
+			return std::unexpected(init.error());
+		}
+		auto stream_info = (*backend)->stream_info();
+		if (!stream_info) {
+			return unexpected_error(
+				stream_info.error().code,
+				"pipeline encoder stream info unavailable: " + format_error(stream_info.error()));
+		}
+		using_encoded_input = false;
+		return start_outputs_from_stream_info(*stream_info, target_info);
+	};
+
+	const auto attempt_encoded_passthrough_start = [&](
+		const ipc::CoherentSnapshot &snapshot) -> Status {
+		auto stream_info = make_stream_info_from_snapshot(snapshot);
+		if (!stream_info) {
+			return unexpected_error(ERR_PROTOCOL, stream_info.error());
+		}
+		if (backend) {
+			(*backend)->shutdown();
+		}
+		using_encoded_input = true;
+		return start_outputs_from_stream_info(*stream_info, snapshot.metadata.info);
+	};
+
 		const auto idle_timeout = std::chrono::milliseconds(config.latency.ingest_idle_timeout_ms);
 		auto last_event         = std::chrono::steady_clock::now();
 
@@ -774,11 +894,16 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 				case cvmmap::ModuleStatus::StreamReset:
 					spdlog::info("pipeline status event status=stream_reset");
 					stats.resets += 1;
+					if (backend) {
 						(*backend)->shutdown();
+					}
 					started = false;
 					restart_pending = false;
 					restart_target_info.reset();
+					active_stream_info.reset();
+					using_encoded_input = false;
 					active_info.reset();
+					rtp_publisher.reset();
 					rtmp_output.reset();
 					break;
 				}
@@ -808,11 +933,13 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 				}
 			}
 
+			if (backend && !using_encoded_input) {
 				auto poll = (*backend)->poll();
 				if (!poll) {
 					const auto reason = format_error(poll.error());
 					restart_backend(reason, active_info);
 				}
+			}
 
 			std::array<zmq::pollitem_t, 1> poll_items{{
 				{subscriber.handle(), 0, ZMQ_POLLIN, 0},
@@ -827,8 +954,8 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 			const bool frame_socket_ready = (poll_items[0].revents & ZMQ_POLLIN) != 0;
 			if (!frame_socket_ready) {
 				const auto now = std::chrono::steady_clock::now();
-				if (restart_pending && restart_target_info) {
+				if (restart_pending && restart_target_info && backend && !using_encoded_input) {
-					auto start_result = attempt_backend_start(*restart_target_info);
+					auto start_result = attempt_raw_backend_start(*restart_target_info);
 					if (!start_result) {
 						spdlog::error("pipeline backend restart failed: {}", format_error(start_result.error()));
 						return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::RuntimeError);
@@ -838,7 +965,7 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 					spdlog::info("pipeline idle timeout reached ({} ms), stopping", config.latency.ingest_idle_timeout_ms);
 					break;
 				}
-			if (!producer_offline && started) {
+				if (!producer_offline && started && backend && !using_encoded_input) {
 					auto drain = drain_encoder(
 						config,
 						*backend,
@@ -894,14 +1021,45 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 				continue;
 			}
 
+			const bool has_encoded_access_unit = snapshot_has_encoded_access_unit(*snapshot);
+			const bool want_encoded_input =
+				config.input.video_source == InputVideoSource::Encoded ||
+				(config.input.video_source == InputVideoSource::Auto && has_encoded_access_unit);
+			if (config.input.video_source == InputVideoSource::Encoded && !has_encoded_access_unit) {
+				spdlog::error("pipeline encoded input requested but SHM snapshot does not contain an encoded access unit");
+				return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::InitializationError);
+			}
+
 			if (active_info && !frame_info_equal(*active_info, snapshot->metadata.info)) {
 				stats.format_rebuilds += 1;
 				restart_backend("frame_info_change", snapshot->metadata.info);
 			}
 
+			if (started && using_encoded_input != want_encoded_input) {
+				stats.format_rebuilds += 1;
+				restart_backend("input_video_source_switch", snapshot->metadata.info);
+			}
+
+			if (want_encoded_input) {
+				auto stream_info = make_stream_info_from_snapshot(*snapshot);
+				if (!stream_info) {
+					spdlog::error("pipeline encoded snapshot metadata invalid: {}", stream_info.error());
+					return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::InitializationError);
+				}
+				if (active_stream_info && !stream_info_equal(*active_stream_info, *stream_info)) {
+					stats.format_rebuilds += 1;
+					restart_backend("encoded_stream_info_change", snapshot->metadata.info);
+				}
 				if (!started || restart_pending) {
+					auto start_result = attempt_encoded_passthrough_start(*snapshot);
+					if (!start_result) {
+						spdlog::error("pipeline encoded passthrough init failed: {}", format_error(start_result.error()));
+						return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::InitializationError);
+					}
+				}
+			} else if (!started || restart_pending) {
 				const auto target_info = restart_target_info.value_or(snapshot->metadata.info);
-				auto start_result = attempt_backend_start(target_info);
+				auto start_result = attempt_raw_backend_start(target_info);
 				if (!start_result) {
 					spdlog::error("pipeline backend init failed: {}", format_error(start_result.error()));
 					return exit_code(PipelineExitCode::InitializationError);
@@ -910,6 +1068,29 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 
 			latency_tracker.note_ingest();
 
+			if (want_encoded_input) {
+				auto access_unit = make_access_unit_from_snapshot(*snapshot);
+				if (!access_unit) {
+					const auto reason = "pipeline encoded snapshot invalid: " + access_unit.error();
+					restart_backend(reason, snapshot->metadata.info);
+					continue;
+				}
+				std::vector<encode::EncodedAccessUnit> access_units{};
+				access_units.push_back(std::move(*access_unit));
+				auto publish = publish_access_units(
+					config,
+					std::move(access_units),
+					stats,
+					rtp_publisher ? &*rtp_publisher : nullptr,
+					rtmp_output ? &*rtmp_output : nullptr,
+					&mcap_recorder,
+					latency_tracker);
+				if (!publish) {
+					const auto reason = format_error(publish.error());
+					restart_backend(reason, active_info);
+					continue;
+				}
+			} else {
 				auto push = (*backend)->push_frame(encode::RawVideoFrame{
 					.info = snapshot->metadata.info,
 					.source_timestamp_ns = snapshot->metadata.timestamp_ns,
@@ -920,6 +1101,7 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 					restart_backend(reason, active_info);
 					continue;
 				}
+			}
 
 				if (!snapshot->depth.empty()) {
 					if (snapshot->depth_unit == ipc::DepthUnit::Unknown) {
@@ -946,6 +1128,7 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 				}
 
 			stats.pushed_frames += 1;
+			if (!want_encoded_input) {
 				auto drain = drain_encoder(
 					config,
 					*backend,
@@ -960,6 +1143,7 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 					restart_backend(reason, active_info);
 					continue;
 				}
+			}
 
 			if (config.latency.ingest_max_frames > 0 && stats.pushed_frames >= config.latency.ingest_max_frames) {
 				spdlog::info("pipeline reached ingest_max_frames={}, stopping", config.latency.ingest_max_frames);
@@ -973,7 +1157,7 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 
 	nats_client.Stop();
 
-	if (started) {
+	if (started && backend && !using_encoded_input) {
 		auto drain = drain_encoder(
 			config,
 			*backend,
@@ -989,14 +1173,18 @@ int run_pipeline(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
 		}
 	}
 
+	if (backend) {
 		(*backend)->shutdown();
+	}
 	std::ignore = stop_mcap_recording(mcap_recorder);
 	recorder_service.Stop();
 
 	spdlog::info(
 		"PIPELINE_METRICS codec={} backend={} sync_messages={} status_messages={} torn_frames={} pushed_frames={} encoded_access_units={} resets={} format_rebuilds={} supervised_restarts={}",
-		to_string(config.encoder.codec),
+		active_stream_info ? to_string(active_stream_info->codec) : to_string(config.encoder.codec),
-		(*backend)->backend_name(),
+		using_encoded_input
+			? std::string("encoded_passthrough")
+			: (backend ? std::string((*backend)->backend_name()) : std::string("encoder_uninitialized")),
 		stats.sync_messages,
 		stats.status_messages,
 		stats.torn_frames,

src/protocol/rtmp_output.cpp

@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ Result<std::vector<std::uint8_t>> decoder_config_to_annexb(
 	CodecType codec,
 	std::span<const std::uint8_t> decoder_config) {
 	if (decoder_config.empty()) {
-		return unexpected_error(ERR_PROTOCOL, "decoder config is required");
+		return std::vector<std::uint8_t>{};
 	}
 	if (looks_like_annexb(decoder_config)) {
 		return std::vector<std::uint8_t>(decoder_config.begin(), decoder_config.end());
@@ -248,10 +248,6 @@ public:
 	static Result<RtmpOutput> create(
 		const RuntimeConfig &config,
 		const encode::EncodedStreamInfo &stream_info) {
-		if (stream_info.decoder_config.empty()) {
-			return unexpected_error(ERR_PROTOCOL, "libavformat RTMP requires encoder decoder_config/extradata");
-		}
-
 		avformat_network_init();
 
 		LibavformatRtmpOutput output{};
@@ -442,9 +438,7 @@ public:
 		};
 		auto decoder_config_annexb = decoder_config_to_annexb(stream_info.codec, stream_info.decoder_config);
 		if (!decoder_config_annexb) {
-			return unexpected_error(
+			return std::unexpected(decoder_config_annexb.error());
-				ERR_PROTOCOL,
-				"ffmpeg_process RTMP requires decoder config: " + format_error(decoder_config_annexb.error()));
 		}
 		output.decoder_config_annexb_ = std::move(*decoder_config_annexb);
 

src/protocol/rtp_publisher.cpp

@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ UdpRtpPublisher &UdpRtpPublisher::operator=(UdpRtpPublisher &&other) noexcept {
 	return *this;
 }
 
-std::expected<UdpRtpPublisher, std::string> UdpRtpPublisher::create(const RuntimeConfig &config) {
+std::expected<UdpRtpPublisher, std::string> UdpRtpPublisher::create(const RuntimeConfig &config, const CodecType codec) {
 	if (!config.outputs.rtp.enabled) {
 		return std::unexpected("invalid RTP publisher init: RTP output disabled");
 	}
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ std::expected<UdpRtpPublisher, std::string> UdpRtpPublisher::create(const Runtim
 	publisher.destination_host_ = *config.outputs.rtp.host;
 	publisher.destination_port_ = *config.outputs.rtp.port;
 	publisher.payload_type_     = config.outputs.rtp.payload_type;
-	publisher.codec_            = config.encoder.codec;
+	publisher.codec_            = codec;
 	publisher.sequence_         = compute_initial_sequence();
 	publisher.ssrc_             = compute_ssrc(
 		publisher.destination_host_,