To know what Adaptive Bitrate is and its purpose in a live streaming video, one must first understand the concept of Video Bitrate.
Video Bitrate is usually defined as the number of Bits processed per second in a video. Video Bitrate defines the quality of the live stream and is highly dependent on the video resolution. Basically, a high video resolution requires a higher bitrate. But, for the viewer to be able to receive the video in the best possible quality without buffering the internet speed of the user must exceed the speed of the bitrate.
This was the case until video delivery using Multi-Bit rate was introduced. Multi-Bit rate allows the video to be transmitted in multiple resolutions which allow the user to select (or automatically deliver) according to his / her internet speed to attain the best quality. The video resolutions for live streaming usually range from 240p (426 x 240) to 1080p (1920 x 1080). The essential Bit rates for these resolutions vary from 400 kbps to 3-6 Mbps.
Video resolution and bitrates are to be selected according to the bandwidth speed. The total upload speed required for the transmission will be double the sum of all the streams, which means if you are streaming a 360p, a 720p and a 1080p video, the total data streaming per second is 12 Mbps and the total upload speed required is 24 Mbps.
Audio bitrates can be chosen according to the video bitrates but as they utilize comparatively negligible amounts of data they can be varied. The standard bitrates though for a 360p video is 64 kbps mono, for 480p video is 128 kbps stereo, for 720p video is 128 kbps and for a 1080p video its 256 kbps.
So, where does Adaptive Bitrate fit into all of these?
Adaptive Bitrate streaming is the most advanced method in streaming where a video from the source is sent to the client’s player in multiple bit rates and depending upon the client’s bandwidth speed and processing power the download speed of the content is selected. If at any instant if the speed is lessened due to various reasons, the selection automatically moves to a lower resolution without even the user noticing the change.
Adaptive Bitrate usage in Live streaming
Both Freedocast device and platform comprise Adaptive bit rate feature. Since a high percentage of people leave the live stream if there is a video buffer, Adaptive bit rate stream provides an edge over the regular streams.
With the presence of a feature like this, one can reach the audience at both the high-end as well as the low-end bandwidths. Adaptive bitrates are advantageous in live streams as they let you maintain your standard level of quality and yet reach all kinds of the audience without much resources and manpower. It also helps the streamers to keep the users engaged at all times, since the feature keeps buffering to a minimum by adjusting itself to the speed of the internet providing a seamless streaming.
Check out the Freedocast live streaming device and platform plans to try out the Adaptive Bitrate Streaming technique with the 7-day free trial. Click below and fill in the details.