How do you adapt video resolution for live streaming platforms to different screen sizes and orientations?

First, recognise the range of devices your audience will use. This can range from smartphones with small screens in portrait orientation to large desktop monitors in landscape. Knowing your audience's most common devices will help you optimise the streaming experience for the majority.

Video resolution refers to the physical size and level of detail in video that's transmitted. Given in Width X Height in pixels (dots on the screen), the higher the resolution, the more detail that can be transmitted in theory. However, video bitrate imposes a level of detail limit. The lower the bitrate, the "blockier" the video can be, especially if there's lots of motion or action. Terms like HD/720p, Full HD/1080p, and Ultra HD/4k refer to specific resolutions, like 1280x720, 1920x1080, and 3840x2160. The resolutions above are landscape It's also possible for video to be oriented in portrait mode, for instance 720x1280. This is ideal if your viewers are tuned in on phones.

Most platforms will do what's called "transcode," or scale down the video you send it to lower resolutions. That way, people with slow internet connections can still watch your content. Most times, you should send the highest quality video you can and let the live streaming service take care of transcoding. That said, if you have a lot of action or motion, consider a lower resolution, but a higher video bitrate. Streaming in 4k won't do much good if the viewer will only see a blocky mess.

Many video and streaming platforms offer adaptive bitrate streaming, which automatically adjusts stream quality based on the recipient's internet speed. Less available speed = lower bitrate stream. This is designed to prioritise being able to see the stream (even if it is at a lower resolution) vs. the stream buffering and not being viewable at all. Some platforms offer viewers a manual seclection of different resolutions. As an organiser, always check the settings, as the higher resolution options may be switched off by default. Take into account who & where your audience is. Streaming at a higher quality may not always be desireable, if the audience is unable to consume high bitrates and the platform doen't scale down automatically.

1. Use a flexible encoder like OBS Studio with Auto-Rotate for automatic video rotation. 2. Employ the Crop/Pad filter to adjust video aspect ratios, ensuring compatibility with different orientations. 3. Adapt video resolution to suit landscape and portrait modes for optimal viewing experience. 4. Consider viewers' preferences for orientation to enhance engagement. I5. mplement these techniques to ensure seamless video quality across various screen sizes and orientations.

More viewers are consuming content on their phones. Almost all phone use happens in portrait mode, where the picture is taller than it is wide. Traditional content is broadcast in landscape mode, which leads to a lot of wasted space on portrait devices. If you are live streaming and you know the majority of your audience will be on portrait devices, consider streaming in portrait mode. You may need to adapt some content, such as titles, to the new orientation. The payoff is it can provide a more engaging experience when the entire screen is filled in, rather than black bars at the top and bottom.

Testing & optimizing video resolution for live streaming platforms is like fine-tuning a musical performance before a big concert – it's all about hitting right notes to captivate audience. Ensuring your internet speed is up to par & your encoder settings are in sync with platform specifications sets stage for a smooth performance. Just like tuning instruments, adjust camera settings to match your desired resolution. Utilizing preview & feedback tools to fine-tune video quality in real-time. It's like having eager audience cheering you on, providing valuable insights to perfect your performance. Testing & optimizing video resolution isn't just about technicalities – it's about creating an immersive experience that leaves viewers in awe.

When adapting video resolution for live streaming, always consider the type and focus of the event: Professional Presentations or Interviews - Deliver clarity and professionalism Settings: 1080p resolution, 3000-6000 kbps bitrate, 30 fps Why?: Enhances credibility and engagement Sports Matches or Action-Packed Events - Deliver real-time excitement Settings: 720p resolution, 4000-8000 kbps bitrate, 60 fps Why?: Ensures immersive experience For other types, such as Conferences, Music Performances, Gaming Streams, Product Launches, Virtual Events, consider the aim of what you deliver and adjust settings to match. The goal of tailoring resolution is to boost viewer engagement, and enhance the live streaming experience for everyone.

When dealing with live streaming, understanding the different rate control methods is essential for balancing quality and bandwidth. CBR: The encoder maintains a constant bitrate, which is best for real-time streaming because most networks can adapt themselves to fixed packet sizes. However, it wastes bitrate on simple scenes. VBR: It adjusts the bitrate according to the complexity of each scene. VBR has more efficient bitrate usage, resulting in better quality, but it needs more processing power and time. ABR: it is more efficient than CBR and more predictable than VBR, but the quality may not be as high as VBR. CRF: It targets a consistent quality level rather than a specific bitrate. CRF offers high quality with efficient bitrate.