Bitstream switching in multiple bit-rate video streaming environments

摘要

Bitstream switching for multiple bit rate video streaming uses a first algorithm to generate multiple encoded bitstreams of a piece of video at different bit rates. A different algorithm is used to generate multiple side bitstreams of the video. Each side stream is generated at respective ones of the different bit rates. The side bitstreams comprise switching frames to switch from a first bitstream encoded with the first algorithm at a first bit rate to a second bitstream encoded with the first algorithm at a different bit rate. At non-bitstream switching points, frames from respective ones of bitstreams generated with the first algorithm are streamed for presentation. At a bitstream switching point, a switching frame from a respective side bitstream is transmitted to a decoder to transition streaming from a first of the respective ones of the bitstreams to a second of the respective ones of the bitstreams.