Bitratestrømming

Bitratestrømming is the practice of delivering media content at varying bitrates during a single streaming session. It contrasts with fixed-bitrate streaming, where the content is encoded at one bitrate. The main aim is to maintain smooth playback and make efficient use of available bandwidth by adapting quality to changing network conditions and device capabilities.

How it works: Content is encoded into multiple representations at different bitrates and usually divided into small segments. A client-side player monitors network throughput, current buffer level, and other factors, then selects the appropriate representation for the next segment. The technique, commonly referred to as adaptive bitrate streaming, is implemented by standards and protocols such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH). The server hosts manifests or playlists that list the available representations, and the client switches between them transparently during playback.

Applications and formats: Bitratestrømming is widely used for video and audio streaming over the internet, including live and on-demand content. It relies on a “ladder” of representations—from lower to higher bitrates—so the client can quickly adapt to current conditions. Popular implementations include HLS, DASH, and related packaging formats, with support across desktop, mobile, and embedded devices.

Advantages and challenges: The primary benefit is reduced buffering and improved user experience under varying network conditions. Potential drawbacks include audible or visible quality shifts when switching representations, additional encoding and storage requirements for multiple bitrates, and, in live scenarios, increased latency due to segment duration and adaptation logic.