What is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming? How does It Work?

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Adaptive Streaming, also known as Adaptive Bitrate Streaming or ABR is to provide the best video quality and user experience irrespective of the device, software, and internet connection. It dynamically adjusts the video quality and compression level based on the bandwidth available. However, in the older version of the video streaming technique, only a single fixed bitrate video was streamed. Furthermore, if your internet connection bandwidth changes and if your network connection does not support that fixed bitrate, then the video would stop and keep on buffering. Thus, it was called the progressive video streaming technology. So, in order to overcome this issue, most of the OTT platforms, video broadcasting services, or video streaming platforms are opting to the Adaptive Bitrate Streaming in order to deliver the best video quality based on the internet connection and a better user experience. In addition, let’s have a look at what is adaptive bitrate streaming and how it works in detail. 

What is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR)?

Bitrate stream is defined as the transferring speed of video data to the user’s device. This video bitrate is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and if the bitrate is high, then it is known that the video is of high-quality. But, if the video stream exceeds the user’s bandwidth, it would result in buffering. This would stop the playing of the video or downloading of the file. However, there are some factors that affect the bitrate of a streaming video. They are:

  • Video resolution: –

The number of pixels within the frame defines the resolution of a video. Furthermore, some of the resolutions of the video stream are 480, 720, 1080, and 4K. If the resolution is high, it gives you a better viewing experience and watch movies online with a high-quality video on larger displays. 

  • Frame rate: –

24 frames per second (fps) is used by most of the broadcasters. However, for a smoother playback video, some streams use 30 to 60 frames per second (fps). Though a high frame rate requires additional data, it delivers better motion display. 

  • Codec: –

A high-quality video generally has a high bitrate with high frame rate and resolution. Some of the codecs deliver efficient results in compressing video data. Furthermore, codecs H.264 and H.265 deliver quality video content at lower bitrates.

How Adaptive Bitrate Streaming Works?

For a better viewing experience on any OTT video streaming, irrespective of internet speed and a variety of devices, you need transcoding software or service. Furthermore, in order to understand the working of Adaptive Bitrate Streaming, you need to understand the definition of three Ts. 

  • Transcoding: –

Transcoding is a technique that takes an encoded or compressed file and then decodes it or decompresses it to alter in some way. Later, for delivery, the decompressed or decoded file is then recompressed. Furthermore, there are two subcategories of transcoding. They are transrating and transizing. 

  • Transrating: –

This technique is used to change the decompressed file’s bitrate so as to accommodate the speed of the internet connection. This may be changing the resolution or changing the frame rate. 

  • Transizing: –

Resizing the resolution or video frame in order to accommodate different screens. This enables you to watch movies online on any device.  

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