Mixedframerate

Mixedframerate is a term used to describe video content in which different portions are encoded or presented at different frame rates within a single sequence or file. The approach often arises when material from multiple sources with differing native frame rates—such as traditional film at 24 fps and computer-generated imagery at higher rates—are combined, or when production aims to optimize perceived motion quality against bandwidth or processing constraints.

In practice, mixedframerate can occur at the source level, during editing, or in delivery. It lets high-motion scenes use a higher frame rate to preserve smoothness, while low-motion or static scenes use a lower frame rate to save space. Implementation involves segmenting the video into intervals with assigned frame rates, along with timing metadata so players synchronize presentation across segments. Some systems use multiple streams or video tracks with different frame rates, while others rely on variable frame rate techniques; however, not all players can seamlessly switch frame rates within a single track.

Benefits include more faithful representation of original footage and potential bandwidth savings, while drawbacks include compatibility issues, potential playback artifacts, and added complexity in encoding and mastering. Using mixedframerate requires careful quality control, especially for audio synchronization and subtitle timing.

Related concepts include variable frame rate (VFR) and adaptive streaming. Mixedframerate is most relevant in contexts where source material spans multiple framerates or where delivery systems seek to balance quality and resource use without forcing a uniform frame rate across the entire video.