What are the best practices for reducing video stutter during streaming?

Video stutter during streaming can be frustrating, but there are ways to minimize it. Use a Wired Connection: Whenever possible, stream using an ethernet cable directly connected from your modem to your computer. This is more reliable than a WiFi connection and can significantly improve your live video stream. Check Stream Settings: Ensure that your stream settings are optimized. Adjust the resolution, bitrate, and other settings based on your available bandwidth. Lowering the resolution can reduce the strain. Increase Buffer Cache in Media Players: If you’re experiencing stutter while playing videos locally, adjust the buffer cache size in media players like VLC or Windows Media Player. Increasing the cache can help prevent stuttering.

I don't want to go into the basis that the platform is stable or a cloud solution with enough computing power is used. When it comes to codecs, it is important that a standard is used that supports fragmented MP4. In my opinion, currently it doesn't matter whether DASH, HLS or CMAF is used. Much more interesting is the choice of segment size and the number of segments. Even if the codecs themselves suggest 3 segments at 2 seconds, this will only be smooth on newer devices and with a stable connection. We currently have the challenge of adding latency because older IPTV/streaming boxes cannot process 3x2sec smoothly. So we have to deliver eg. 6x2secs. CONCLUSION: Testing with the segment size/number is the best way forward.

Bandwidth Check: Ensure your internet connection has sufficient bandwidth. Higher resolution videos require more bandwidth. Wired Connection: Use an Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi to reduce latency and packet loss. Quality of Service (QoS): Configure QoS settings on your router to prioritize video streaming traffic. Avoid Network Congestion: Schedule streaming during times of low network traffic to minimize competition for bandwidth.

Hardware Optimization Upgrade Hardware: Use modern, high-performance hardware. Older devices might struggle with decoding high-resolution streams. Hardware Acceleration: Enable hardware acceleration on your streaming device if supported. This offloads processing from the CPU to the GPU. Cooling: Ensure devices are properly cooled. Overheating can cause throttling and stutter.

CDN Selection: Use a reputable CDN with servers close to your geographic location to reduce latency. Adaptive Bitrate Streaming: Implement adaptive bitrate streaming to automatically adjust the video quality based on real-time network conditions.

Stream Settings: Lower the resolution or bitrate of the stream if stuttering occurs. High settings require more resources. Buffer Settings: Increase buffer size in the streaming software to compensate for intermittent network instability. Updates: Keep all software and drivers updated to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes. Background Processes: Close unnecessary applications and background processes that may consume system resources.