bitrates
Bits per second
Bitrate is the amount of data processed per unit of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps) or multiples like kilobits (kbps) and megabits (Mbps).
Higher bitrates generally mean better quality for audio and video: The song sounds muddy at low bitrates.
Streaming services adjust bitrates based on connection speed.
In audio encoding, bitrate determines file size and fidelity—128 kbps is acceptable for casual listening, while audiophiles prefer 320 kbps or lossless formats.
Data transfer speed measure
- MP3Lossy audio compression standard
- FLACLossless audio compression format
- lossySacrificing fidelity for size
- losslessRetaining all original information
128 · codec · sampling · AAC · Spotify · podcast · VBR · encoding
Data transmission capacity
- bufferingTemporary data accumulation
- adaptiveAble to change accordingly
- 1080pVideo resolution standard
- 4KHigh-resolution video standard
Netflix · YouTube · compression · quality · resolution · transcoding · latency · throughput
kbps
Data transfer speed measure
- MP3Lossy audio compression standard
- FLACLossless audio compression format
- lossySacrificing fidelity for size
lossless · 128 · codec · sampling · AAC · Spotify · podcast · VBR · encoding · fidelity
bandwidth
Data transmission capacity
- bufferingTemporary data accumulation
- adaptiveAble to change accordingly
- 1080pVideo resolution standard
4K · Netflix · YouTube · compression · quality · resolution · transcoding · latency · throughput · Twitch
H.264
Video compression standard
Mbps · codec · compression · footage · VP9 · transcoding · GOP · keyframe · encoder · decoder
transfer
Move between locations
- uploadTransfer data outward
- downloadRemote-to-local data transfer
- throttlingRestricting flow or speed
ISP · speed · modem · router · connection · cap · limit · Mbps · Gbps · packet
bitratesresolution
Formal decision or determination
frame rate · sample rate · pixel density · color depth · aspect ratio