What is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming?
Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) Streaming automatically adjusts the quality of your video in real time based on each viewer's internet speed and device capabilities. Instead of one fixed quality level, ABR encodes your stream at multiple bitrates simultaneously, and the video player selects the best one for each viewer, ensuring smooth playback with minimal buffering.
How does ABR improve the experience for my viewers?
ABR eliminates the most common causes of a poor viewing experience: buffering, stalling, and quality drops. Viewers on fast connections receive your stream in full HD, while those on slower mobile connections receive a lower bitrate that still plays smoothly. The result is a seamless, buffer-free experience for every viewer, regardless of where they are or what they're watching on.
Which devices support ABR playback?
ABR is supported across all major devices and platforms, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, Roku, and Amazon Fire Stick. Any device using an HLS or MPEG-DASH compatible player will automatically receive the best quality stream for its connection, with no additional configuration needed from your viewers.
Does ABR work with satellite distribution?
Yes. MediaCP's ABR streaming is fully compatible with satellite uplink and distribution services. Broadcasters who distribute content via satellite can deliver adaptive bitrate streams globally, ensuring viewers at the receiving end benefit from smooth, consistent playback regardless of network conditions on their side.
How many quality levels does Stream Transcoding create?
Stream Transcoding encodes your broadcast into multiple bitrate tiers — typically ranging from a high-quality HD rendition down to a mobile-optimised version. The number of quality levels depends on your plan. The video player automatically selects the most appropriate rendition in real time, switching seamlessly as network conditions change.
Do my viewers need to do anything to benefit from ABR?
No. Adaptive Bitrate Streaming works entirely in the background. Viewers simply press play as they normally would. The video player automatically detects their connection speed and selects the best available quality. If conditions change mid-stream, the player adjusts silently without interrupting playback.
Is Stream Transcoding included in all Cloud Video plans?
Stream Transcoding is available across Cloud Video plans, with each plan including a set number of transcoding hours per month. You will receive email alerts at 75% and 100% usage so you are never caught off guard. Additional transcoding hours can be added if needed. Check the pricing section above for full plan details.
Can I start on a monthly plan with no long-term contract?
Yes. All Cloud Video plans are month-to-month with no lock-in contracts. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time. Every new account also includes a 30-day guarantee, giving you time to test your workflow, run broadcasts, and experience the platform with confidence before committing long term.