To begin using the VBE, click "Calculate Bandwidth" or "Calculate Frame Rate", then enter your video parameters in the fields above.

HELP USING THE VIDEO BANDWIDTH ESTIMATOR (VBE)

One of the biggest challenges streaming video encoders face is figuring out how many bits per second are required for any given piece of video. Too many bits and the file is larger than it needs to be and will unnecessarily take extra time to download. Not enough bits and the quality is poor. The Video Bandwidth Estimator helps you make decisions about how to compress your streaming video to get the best possible quality and the smallest possible file size.

We developed the VBE from our own experience encoding streaming video and from our own in-house techniques. Of course, it doesn't replace expert judgement and experience. What it does do is help the encoder, novice or expert, know where to start. It saves time by reducing the amount of experimentation required to achieve a successful compression and helps establish realistic expectations. The VBE makes an excellent companion to encoding programs like Cleaner 5, Real Producer and Windows Media Encoder.

The VBE has two modes. In "Video Bandwidth" mode, the VBE answers the question, "how many bits per second does my video need, based on it's final size, number of frames per second and amount of motion?" Video with a high amount of motion (movie trailers, music videos, sports videos or action videos) will need more bandwidth. Video with little motion (such as talking heads or simple slides) needs less.