What does bitrate refer to?

Bitrate refers to the amount of data transmitted in a given amount of time in a video stream and is typically measured in bits per second (bps). In video and audio streaming, bitrate is crucial because it determines the quality and smoothness of the content being streamed. A higher bitrate generally allows for better quality because more data is available to represent the video or audio. Conversely, a lower bitrate may result in compression artifacts and reduced quality.

Understanding bitrate is essential, especially in the context of video delivery over networks, as it impacts the required bandwidth and affects the viewer's experience. When designing a video streaming solution or selecting settings for recording, knowing how to manage bitrate can lead to optimal performance and quality, ensuring that viewers receive a clear and continuous stream without buffering issues.