What is bitrate?
Bitrate or bit rate is the amount of data processed in a given amount of time in audio or video files. It is typically measured in kilobits per second (kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). The bitrate determines the quality and file size of the media—the higher the bitrate, the better the quality but the larger the size. Put simply, a high bitrate means more data is being transferred every second. which gives you better-quality audio and video.
What you need to know about bitrate:
- Audio bitrate: For audio files, bitrate impacts sound quality. Common audio bitrates include:some text
- 128 kbps: Standard for compressed audio, like MP3s.
- 320 kbps: High-quality audio, often used for streaming services.
- Lossless formats (like FLAC) use bitrates ranging from 700-1400 kbps for higher fidelity.
- Video bitrate: For video, bitrate impacts visual quality and file size. Streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix adjust video bitrate based on internet speed to prevent your videos from buffering (stopping and preloading the video before it can begin to play again). some text
- 1080p HD video often requires a bitrate of around 5-10 Mbps.
- 4K video usually needs 15-50 Mbps, depending on the compression.
- Constant vs. Variable Bitrate:some text
- Constant Bitrate (CBR) maintains a fixed bitrate throughout the media file, which can lead to wasted space when less data is needed.
- Variable Bitrate (VBR) adjusts based on the complexity of the audio or video at any given moment, providing better quality and smaller file sizes.
What is the bitrate for 1080p?
The typical bitrate for 1080p video is between 5000 and 10000 kbps for standard quality, depending on compression.
What happens if my bitrate is too high?
If your bitrate is too high, it can result in larger file sizes without significant improvement in quality and may cause streaming issues due to bandwidth limitations.
Is 4000 bitrate enough for 1080p?
A 4000 kbps bitrate is generally on the lower end for 1080p resolution and may result in reduced quality, especially for fast-moving or detailed scenes. It’s typically used for low-latency streaming.
What should my bitrate be for 1080p 30fps?
For 1080p at 30fps, a bitrate between 3500 and 5000 kbps is recommended for standard quality.
How big is 1080p bitrate per hour?
At an average bitrate of 5000 kbps, a 1080p video will use about 2.25 GB (gigabytes) per hour.
What is the difference between 1080p low bitrate and high bitrate?
A low bitrate results in lower visual quality with more compression artifacts and pixelation, while a high bitrate offers clearer and sharper images, especially during complex scenes.
Does bitrate affect video quality?
Yes, bitrate directly affects video quality. Higher bitrates generally result in better image clarity and less compression.
How to adjust the bitrate on Riverside
For audio, Riverside uses Linear pulse code modulation (PCM). Riverside automatically optimizes the video and audio quality during recording. For your video, we recommend 720p for the best results. You can record up to 4K on Riverside without worrying about your internet connection because all video and audio are recorded locally.
After recording, Riverside’s Magic Audio feature automatically enhances audio quality, adjusting noise levels and balancing bitrates where necessary.
When exporting your files, you can access high-quality tracks with optimal bitrate for professional output, whether you choose WAV or MP4 formats.
