Multiple bitrates streaming

Note: adaptive (multiple) bitrate settings are available only with Flash Media Encoder

When live streaming with Flash Media Encoder, the broadcaster has the option to add multiple bitrates for output video, so that the viewers will watch the stream at its best quality according to flash players of their devices.

Note: Our internal tests, confirmed that both versions 3.1 and 3.2 returned positive results during testing process on Streaming platform platform

In the example below, we introduced three values for bit rates and output video, in order to make the streaming available for all viewers, from low video players (e.g old generation mobiles) to HD video players (cinema mode)

Note: the video format must be H.264

1. Select from the drop down two or three bit rates by checking the boxes and manually insert the output sizes you desire

Note: we recommend that the bit rates and the output sizes should be ascending from low, to standard and then HD video quality

2. On the stream name add “_%i” at the end.

Note: it is very important to add “_%i” at the end of the server stream name, otherwise the Flash Media player will display the following message:

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Important: This error may appear if you checked the “Save to file” option, so please make sure that “Save to file” option is unchecked, otherwise multiple bit rate streaming feature will not work:

When a viewer watches the live streaming channel, the Flash Player will adopt the appropriate resolution for the best video quality.

Note: the video quality depends on the device used, on the internet connection, the bandwidth and video/audio source used by the broadcaster

The flash player will usually start playing at the best resolution and it will switch to the a lower one if the bandwidth or the internet connection are not high enough

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The viewer can manually select the resolution he desires from the available ones and the video the flash player will save that resolution, without making further changes

Note: when the video changes from a resolution to another, the stream quality can sometimes be insignificant to the human eye

Important: Multiple bitrate feature for videos is not available and can not be used if CDN module is activated.

This feature was developed to work only through Adobe FMIS services and not CDN.

Technically if CDN is activated, videos will playback as expected, based on technical specifications and devices used, but mobile qualities will not be displayed and available on flash/non flash players.

E.g.: If I have a video having the following qualities: 480p, 360p, 240p, 144p and CDN module is activated on the site, video in question will be available for playback only at 480p.