---
title: "Bitrate"
url: https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/bitrate
language: en
description: "Bitrate is the rate at which encoded data is transmitted or stored per unit of time, expressed in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps) or m..."
updated: 2026-10-25
---

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# Bitrate

Bitrate is the rate at which encoded data is transmitted or stored per unit of time, expressed in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). In post-production, bitrate decisions determine file size, image quality, and pipeline performance at every stage. Two encoding strategies coexist: constant bitrate (CBR) maintains a fixed data rate throughout the file, predictable for streaming and live broadcast but inefficient on static or low-detail scenes; and variable bitrate (VBR) allocates more bits to complex frames and fewer to simple ones, producing better quality at the same average rate but unpredictable peak loads. Modern codecs add constrained-VBR and capped-VBR variants that combine the benefits. Typical bitrates for reference: 4K UHD Netflix delivery 15–25 Mbps (H.265 main10), 4K UHD ProRes 422 HQ around 884 Mbps (intra-frame mastering), 4K UHD ProRes 4444 XQ around 1.9 Gbps (finishing), 4K UHD Blu-ray HEVC 50–100 Mbps. Camera RAW bitrates are vastly higher — ARRI ALEXA 35 in ARRIRAW can exceed 4 Gbps. The choice of bitrate must match purpose: mezzanine codecs (mastering and grading) prioritize quality with high bitrates and intra-frame compression; distribution codecs (streaming, broadcast) prioritize bandwidth efficiency with lower bitrates and inter-frame prediction. Reference: ISO/IEC 14496-10 (H.264), ITU-T H.265 (HEVC), and SMPTE ST 2067 for IMF bitrate constraints.

Formats, DeliveryAssistant Editor, DIT, Mastering EngineerCapture, Delivery, Transcoding

## Related terms

[Codec](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/codec)[H.264 (AVC)](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/h-264-avc)[Transcode](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/transcode)

Sequential read speeds (MB/s) by storage tier. RAW video at 4K 24 fps requires ~1 Gbps for ProRes 422, ~5 Gbps for ARRIRAW.

## Articles covering this term

* [Video compression: principles and methods

  Complete guide to video compression in post-production. Understand spatial/temporal redundancy, GOP structures, bitrates, and multi-generational artifacts.](https://postproduction.studio/en/formats/video-compression)
* [Delivery formats and specifications

  Master delivery specifications for cinema DCP, broadcast TV, streaming platforms, and web. HDR, SDR, and IMF workflows explained.](https://postproduction.studio/en/fundamentals/delivery-formats)
* [What is post-production?

  Comprehensive guide to post-production in cinema and audiovisual works. Learn about workflows, formats, roles, and technical standards.](https://postproduction.studio/en/fundamentals/what-is-post-production)
* [Streaming and VOD delivery: formats and specs

  Understand modern streaming and VOD delivery specifications. ABR encoding, HLS, DASH, IMF integration, HDR profiles, and SVOD quality control workflows.](https://postproduction.studio/en/formats/streaming-delivery)
* [Mezzanine formats and post-production masters

  Detailed guide to mezzanine formats in post-production. Discover the roles of digital masters, transcode chains, and balancing quality vs. file size.](https://postproduction.studio/en/formats/mezzanine-formats)
* [Dolby Vision Mastering in DaVinci Resolve: The Complete Workflow

  Master the complete Dolby Vision workflow in DaVinci Resolve: dynamic metadata, iCMU analysis, artistic trims, XML export, and three-step quality control.](https://postproduction.studio/en/image/dolby-vision-mastering-resolve)