What Is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming And Why It Matters To Viewers

07 November 2024

If you are a content creator in this day and age when streaming video content has become a part of our daily lives, then you will definitely understand that the need for a smooth and high-quality viewing experience is paramount. Nowadays, Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR) is becoming popular with content creators.

It is a sophisticated technology designed to optimize video playback by dynamically adjusting the video quality based on the viewer’s internet connection and device capabilities. But why does this matter to viewers? This is what we will discuss in this article, so read on.

Why is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming Important?

You may not be familiar with adaptive bitrate streaming technology. But knowing more about why it’s important can help you to become more successful than you could have thought.

So, what is adaptive bitrate streaming, and why is it important to viewers? Also, What is packet loss? Simply put, ABR enhances the overall streaming experience by reducing buffering, maintaining video quality, and making content accessible to a wider audience, regardless of their network conditions.

Hence, a big reason why it’s important to viewers is that it allows them to easily continue viewing or gaming online, regardless of the connectivity that their device is experiencing.

Anything can happen while someone is viewing something online or playing, from the bandwidth to an internet connection, so when it comes to providing uninterrupted streaming, adaptive bitrate streaming is the technique that can save the day.

Uninterrupted experiences are what everyone wants when they’re doing anything related to streaming online, and this is one way to avoid playback fluctuations or issues with buffering.

The Tech

If you’re not super tech savvy, there is a lot that can be hard to understand about how it works and why it’s important. But if you know the words encoding with multiple bitrates, video segmenting, and HTTP delivery, then you have somewhat of an idea of the process that adaptive bitrate streaming entails.

Here is a brief explanation of these terms:

Multi-Bitrate Encoding: Videos are encoded at multiple bitrates and resolutions. This creates different versions of the same video, each optimized for different network speeds and device capabilities.

Segmentation: The video is divided into small segments, typically a few seconds long. Each segment is encoded at various bitrates. This allows the streaming client to switch between different quality levels seamlessly.

Adaptive Streaming Protocols: The segmented video files are delivered with the help of protocols like HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH). These protocols manage the switching between different bitrate segments based on real-time network conditions.

Encoding Ladder: An encoding ladder is a predefined set of bitrates and resolutions used during the encoding process. It ensures that there are multiple quality levels available for the streaming client to choose from, depending on the viewer’s bandwidth.

These techniques collectively enable ABR to provide a seamless viewing experience by dynamically adjusting video quality to match the viewer’s current network conditions and device capabilities.

Adapting throughout the experience

With technology as advanced as what we have in streaming services today, we should all be able to watch shows online without any problem.

Gone are the days of pausing our show to let it buffer or watching our favorite streaming platform on low-speed internet and getting terrible visuals.

This is all largely thanks to the way that adaptive bitrate streaming allows the content to be streamed which adjusts to the bandwidth, device, and network during any broadcast.

This kind of technology allows for a disruption-free experience for viewers who may be experiencing delays or decreases in speed behind the scenes of their game or show.

Why it’s so good for users

At the end of the day, one of the biggest reasons why adaptive bitrate technology is so helpful for users is that it allows them to get great results, even if there are changes in their connectivity or device functionality.

They can be confident that they will get automatic adjustments with their device, thanks to how ABR allows functionality between devices, regardless of how the connection differs.

The ability to stream at the best quality according to bandwidth is another reason why it’s appealing. But one of the biggest reasons why this technology is so useful is that it eliminates buffering, which is definitely something that anyone who wants to view or stream content will appreciate.

Are There Any Challenges?

For the most part, ABR works well for content streaming. However, there could be some challenges with older devices. For instance, their varying capabilities and limitations can impact their latency for live streaming experiences.

Here are some key factors that can affect the streaming experience with Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR) in different devices:

Screen Resolution And Size

Smartphones and Tablets typically have smaller screens and lower resolutions compared to TVs and monitors. ABR can deliver lower bitrate streams to save bandwidth without compromising perceived quality.

In the case of smart TVs and Monitors which have larger screens with higher resolutions (e.g., 4K), it require higher bitrate streams to maintain video quality. ABR ensures that these devices receive the best possible quality their network can support.

Processing Power

High-end devices with powerful processors can handle higher bitrate streams and more complex codecs like H.265 (HEVC) or AV1, providing better video quality.

On the other hand, low-end devices or less powerful devices might struggle with high-bitrate streams or advanced codecs, so ABR adjusts to lower bitrates and simpler codecs to ensure smooth playback.

Network Connectivity

Devices connected to stable Wi-Fi networks can usually handle higher bitrates compared to those on mobile data. It is because the latter might experience fluctuations. ABR dynamically adjusts the stream quality based on the current network conditions.

Moreover, when users move between different network environments (e.g., from Wi-Fi to mobile data), ABR adapts in real-time. This helps maintain continuous playback with minimal buffering.

Operating Systems And Software

Different operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.) and their versions can affect how well ABR is implemented and supported. Some devices might have better optimization for certain streaming protocols like HLS or DASH.

The capabilities of the video player software also play a role. Advanced players can better handle ABR, providing smoother transitions between different bitrates.

Additionally, the functionality of adaptive bitrate streaming may be hard for content creators if they’re not familiar with it.

In Conclusion

From better streaming to versatility in streaming, adaptive bitrate streaming technology has made viewing things online easier than ever. It’s important to any content creator who uses streaming as well so they can provide users with an interruption-free experience.

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Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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Waterjet Vs. Laser Cutting: Which Is Worth The Hype?

Waterjet and laser cutters can slice through materials that no other cutting tool can. They are invaluable for prototyping products and precision manufacturing. But which one is worth the hype - waterjets or laser cutters? This article provides everything you need to know about waterjet vs laser cutting units. Learn how they work and which one is best for your industrial manufacturing facility. Waterjet Vs Laser Cutting: Unlike the vast majority of blades and saws, waterjets and laser cutters don't have a blade. The lack of a blade makes engraving and detail work much more precise. And, waterjets and laser cutters are computer operated, as to achieve a very high level of precision. Both machines can engrave minute lettering and symbology into a wide range of manufacturing materials. But each machine goes about it a very different way. Both methods of cutting excel with 2D objects and engraving, but which is better: waterjet or laser cutting? What Is Laser Cutting? Laser cutting uses a high-focus laser to cut or engrave materials. Laser cutting is a method of subtractive manufacturing, which means it only takes away material. This is in opposition to additive manufacturing, like 3D printing. Special software guides the lasers using mirrors. A gas power source provides energy to the system, usually in the form of CO2. The CO2 fuels the laser which outputs between 1,500 and 2,600 watts. Some systems implement an additional gas jet to expel the excess material. Laser cutting is a very precise form of subtractive manufacturing. The intense heat of the laser cuts through material like a razor using a precision burn. Laser systems cut material from sheets or large panels. Laser Cutter Materials: Laser cutting systems make precision cuts in a wide range of materials. The only material that a laser cutter is not "cut-out" for is reflective metals. The reflective property of some metal reflects the laser off of the cutting surface, which can be dangerous. Laser cutters are great for cutting glass, wood, plastic, and a wide range of metals. Laser cutters encounter obstacles, however, when trying to cut compound materials. If the material contains multiple materials, then it has multiple melting points. If the material has multiple melting points, then a laser takes longer to cut through it, and cuts can become uneven. Laser cutting systems work the best with flat sheets of material, with a thickness range between 0.1 inches to just under a half-inch. And, most laser cutting systems proficiently perform the functions of cutting, drilling, engraving, welding, ablating, and structuring. What Is Waterjet Cutting? Waterjet cutting systems utilize a high-pressure waterjet to slice through materials. The water is shot through a very fine point and creates over 60,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. For tougher materials, a mixture of water and an abrasive acts like a diamond saw blade. Garnet is a common abrasive for use in waterjet cutters. Aluminum oxide is another common abrasive that you can use with a waterjet cutter. The process of waterjet cutting is a high-speed version of natural erosion. With a big enough waterjet cutter, you can make another grand canyon in a fraction of the time. Read more about how the best water jets can cut through anything nature makes. Waterjet cutters differ from laser cutters in that the power source does not reside with the cutting unit. Since a waterjet cutter outputs between 4 to 7 kilowatts, the water pump is located away from the worksite. This is also true because the water source is rarely nearby your bench. Waterjet Cutting Materials: Unlike a laser cutter, waterjet cutters can effectively cut almost any material. They have no problem cutting through compound materials with multiple material types. The pure pressure of the water jet is enough to cut cleanly through anything. Waterjet cutter units are especially useful for cutting precisely through masonry. They're also good for cutting and structuring stone, thick metals, ceramics, and glass. Waterjets handle thicker material than laser cutters. They can handle material that is up to around 2 inches thick. But they don't do as well with material thinner than 0.4 inches. Level of Waste from Waterjet vs Laser Cutting: Laser cutters create a minimal amount of off-fall and waste. Very little, if any, cleanup is required after cutting. The only waste that laser cutting produces is a small amount of dust that is easily vacuumed up. Waterjet cutting, on the other hand, creates a lot of waste. You might think that waterjet cutting would be cleaner, but it is not. The abrasive material in the water adds a toxic element to the off-fall liquid. For this reason, waterjet cutting requires special waste-water disposal, safety gear, and a bigger project budget. What's the Cost to Purchase and Operate a Waterjet vs Laser Cutter? A plasma laser cutting machine will cost between $15,000 to over $250,000 at the initial purchase. Waterjet cutters are more expensive because they require more specialized materials. They range from $100,000 to around $400,000. On average, either machine will cost around $350k. Expensive industrial machines can exceed $1,000,000. On average, a laser cutter costs between $13 to $20 an hour to operate. Waterjet cutting systems run between $15 to $30 an hour to operate. Final Thoughts: At the end of the day, waterjet cutters cost up to five times more to operate than laser cutters. Waterjet cutters can cut thicker and more complex materials, but they are slower than laser cutters. So, when considering waterjet vs laser cutting, laser cutting will save you time and money. If you like this article on which is better, share it with your friends on social media. And check out the blog for more resources on hardware and gadgets. Thanks for reading! Read Also: How Portable Metrology Tools Are Making Manufacturers More Flexible

What’s a Good USB Cable?

The use of USB Cable (Universal Serial Bus) has dramatically increased ever since the evolution of cable chargers and file transmission from one gadget to another. It was developed in the late 1990s as a mere connector between computers and external electronic devices. Since then, USB has long been a fundamental power tool for data transmissions, such as songs files, video, photos, and charging of devices and peripheral connections. If you have been using USB cables for a long time now, you probably noticed that the majority of them are not created equally. What does that mean? One USB cable charges your phone pretty quickly than the other. When all USB cables look quite the same, it’s hard to distinguish which is good. No need to worry, you’re on the right page. Below are things you need to know to help you identify a good USB cable. Importance of a Good USB Cable: It is essential to choose the right USB cable. It creates an impact on the charging process and data transmission of your gadget. If you opt for cheap ones — which come at a cheap price, too — it may result in possible safety risks. We don’t want to ruin our devices because of some low-quality USB cords, don’t we? The interference plug is not sturdy. It is prone to damage because of overcharging, especially if it is used for a longer period of time. This may lead to future dangers. Therefore, it is of huge importance to know what comprises a good USB cable. Lower Gauge Charges Faster: Gauge is the wire thickness of a USB cord; when a gauge is higher, the wire is thinner and charges your device slower. This is something we want to avoid. If you’re looking for a good USB cable, then the gauge is one of the things you need to consider.= Thick gauge lessens electrical resistance and enables a better electron flow, thus charges your device fast. Moreover, your USB cable length can affect the charging speed of your device. Short and cheap cords may quickly charge your phone or whatever device you have, while longer ones may take longer. Types of USB Cord: Generally, there are different specific USB cable types. These are the following: Type A - This comes in a rectangular shape and is often seen in media players, computers, televisions, and DC charging cords. Type B - This type of USB cable has a connector on the other side which is plugged into external devices, just like with the right angle pin header for a PCB. Type B cables have two sub-types: the micro and the mini. These three have the same functionality but differs in socket shape design. Mini-USB - The standard for early portable devices. You can hardly see them today. However, some devices still use this like PlayStation controllers and MP3 players. Micro-USB - The more recent standard for several mobile devices, including tablets, smartphones, and video game consoles. They are slowly fading in the industry due to the introduction of the Type-C. Type C - This type enables the user for a reverse plug. You can plug your USB cable regardless of what direction, if it is in the negative or positive way without having to worry the cable is upside down. source Appearance: Take note of the entire package detail carefully. You need to remember that, the thicker the gauge is, the higher the strength of tensile is, and the power output is much larger, as well. The entire body cord does not easily get hot, and the thick gauge is perfect for inner copper protection. Texture: You can already tell if the USB cable is of great quality or not by knowing its texture through touch. Soft and smooth cable texture means the cable has excellent quality. Hard texture ones are often in low-quality. Also, storing your USB cable will be easier if it is soft and flexible. Connection: High-quality USB cables are durable, condensed, soft and the insulation layer is tightly mounted with wire harness. Cheap cables are easy to identify as they are not neatly and properly made. Copper Core: A great USB cable comes in the thick and premium quality copper core. Charging of your device will be more stable and efficient since authentic copper core enhances data transmission and charging. Since it is difficult to look for a good copper core as it is mounted inside the USB cable, choose a thick and heavy cable in this sense. Similar to how people look for source Material: Speaking of material, there are surely tons of materials being utilized in the market for USB cables. Some manufacturers often used TPE, nylon, metal weaving, or PVC. TPE - A type of material that is made of plastic and has a good amount of toughness and flexibility. TPE can be recycled, hence it is environment-friendly. Today, smartphone manufacturers who originally used USB cables for charging, still use this type of material. Nylon - This is a special kind of material used for USB cables. It enhances the peripheral tension of the cord and ensures that the inner copper core is protected against external pressures. Nylon material is pretty strong and durable and has a polished look. PVC - This is by far the most commonly used material for USB cables. It is non-inflammable, durable, external factor resistance, and great stability. But, TPE material aces in terms of appearance and better performance because of its outer coating material. Which is Better, 28/28 or 28/24 Gauge? One of the things you need to take note when looking for a good USB cable is its charging and data wires. With 28/28 gauge, the cord is using 28 AWG for both charging and data. By the way, AWG stands for American Wire Gauge, a standardized abbreviation used by manufacturers of electronics. Now, going back, a 28/28 gauge is will charge your device slowly, which is in total contrast of 28/24 — thanks to the power of 24 AWG — as it can manage 2 amp power. The 28/28 gauge can only handle a maximum of 500 mAh which is considered to be slow charging compared to the 28/24. As explained previously, if the amp (ampere) is higher, the electricity flow to your device is also higher. Hence, your device will charge quicker as it receives a higher flow of electricity. So, whenever you plan to look for a cord, always choose a USB cable with 28/24 gauge Conclusion: There are times we often opt for something cheaper, just because it look and perform the same way with expensive ones. Just like when it comes to buying USB cables. The market offers tons and they all look and work similarly, not knowing if each is made with high-quality materials. If you want something that lasts longer, and you get more than what you are paying for, then be meticulous and look for a good USB cable. The things listed above will surely help you out. Read Also: How Fiber Optic Cables Are Used? Top 5 Electronics Gadgets To Buy From Amazon US EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free, The Best Free Software For Data Recovery

Unveiling The Best Laptops With Discount: Budget-Friendly Options For Every Need

In today's fast-paced world, having reliable and efficient laptops is crucial for work, education, and entertainment. However, finding the perfect laptop that fits your needs and budget can be a challenging task. That's where Discount One comes in. As a leading online platform, Discount One scours various internet stores in India to curate thousands of discounted products, including a wide range of budget-friendly laptops. In this article, we will delve into the world of affordable laptops, showcasing the essence of finding the best laptop at a discounted price and highlighting the advantages of Discount One. About Budget-Friendly Laptops Budget-friendly laptops offer an ideal solution for individuals who want to strike a balance between performance, features, and affordability. These laptops cater to students, professionals, and casual users alike, providing cost-effective computing solutions for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, document processing, multimedia consumption, and light gaming. The Challenge Of Finding Affordable Options The laptop market offers a plethora of choices, making it overwhelming to navigate and find the best deals. Discount One simplifies this process by consolidating a vast selection of laptops from different online retailers in India. With Discount One's user-friendly search function, extensive inventory, and remarkable discounts, you can easily find the perfect laptop that meets your specific needs while staying within your budget. Discount One Discount One - your ultimate destination for discovering thousands of discounted products from various online stores in India. We take pride in our ability to find and gather a wide range of items with attractive price reductions, allowing you to save big on your favorite brands and products. It is the ultimate platform for budget-friendly laptops, offering several advantages to its users: Wide Range of Options: Discount One features a comprehensive collection of laptops encompassing various brands, models, and specifications. Whether you require a lightweight ultrabook, a powerful gaming laptop, or a reliable workstation, Discount One has something for everyone. With an extensive range of options, you can explore and select the laptop that perfectly aligns with your requirements. Unbeatable Discounts: Discount One is committed to providing the most substantial discounts in the market. Through partnerships with multiple online retailers, the platform ensures that you can enjoy significant savings on your laptop purchase. These attractive discounts make high-quality laptops more accessible, empowering individuals from all walks of life to experience the benefits of modern computing without straining their finances. Examples Of Budget-Friendly Laptops To provide a glimpse into the range of budget laptops available through Discount One, here are a few examples: Lenovo E41-55 The Lenovo E41-55 is a compact and efficient laptop designed for everyday use. Powered by an AMD Athlon A3050U processor with a base speed of 2.3 GHz (max speed of 3.2 GHz) and 2 cores, this laptop offers reliable performance for daily tasks. Furthermore, it features 4GB DDR4 RAM clocked at 2400 MHz, providing smooth multitasking capabilities. With a storage capacity of 256GB SSD, you have ample space to store your files and applications. The laptop comes with a 14-inch HD display, offering a resolution of 220 Nits and an antiglare coating. This ensures comfortable viewing and reduces eye strain, even in brightly lit environments. Thus, the integrated AMD Radeon Graphics delivers decent visuals for multimedia consumption and light gaming. Read Also: Should You Buy The Lenovo Ideapad 330-15 AMD? All Details Here Lenovo V15 The Lenovo V15 is a powerful and versatile laptop designed for productivity as well as multitasking. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor, featuring a base speed of 2.6 GHz (max speed of 3.8 GHz) and 4 cores, this laptop provides excellent performance for demanding tasks. With 8GB DDR4 RAM clocked at 3200 MHz (expandable up to 16 GB), it offers smooth multitasking capabilities and efficient data processing. The laptop features a spacious 15.6-inch Full HD display with a brightness of 250 nits and an antiglare coating. Thereby ensuring a comfortable viewing experience with reduced eye strain. ASUS VivoBook 15 ASUS Vivo Book 15 has an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor with a base speed of 3.0 GHz (max turbo speed of 4.1 GHz) and 2 cores. The following laptop provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. With 8GB DDR4 onboard memory, the VivoBook 15 ensures efficient data processing and seamless multitasking capabilities. The laptop also features a generous 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD. They offer adequate storage space for your files, documents, and also multimedia. It ensures fast data access in a shorter time. The VivoBook 15 sports a 15.6-inch Full HD OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Conclusion Finding a budget laptop that meets your needs and provides optimal performance is no longer a daunting task, thanks to Discount One. With a wide range of options, unbeatable discounts, and a user-friendly interface, Discount One is the ultimate destination for finding the best laptops at discounted prices in India. Experience the convenience and affordability of acquiring a high-quality laptop that suits your requirements. So, visit Discount One today and unlock a world of budget-friendly laptops tailored to your needs. More Resources: How to Unlock HP Laptop if you Forgot Login password? Factory Refurbished Laptops: Why Would You Buy New?

What Is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming And Why It Matters To Viewers