video & live streaming

Bandwidth Required For HD FHD 4K Video Streaming

In computing, bandwidth refers to the amount of data can be transmitted in a fixed time duration. Due to the technological advancement, the internet-based Live Video Streaming is getting massive popularity, and, nowadays, it is a frequently asked question, “how much bandwidth required for HD FHD 4K video streaming?” Well, before we discuss this important calculation, here are some technical terms to be considered.

What is Video Streaming?

Video streaming can be defined as a single-way transmission of video contents through a data network. This kind of media streaming requires data from a video file is continuously transferred via the Internet to remote users. The content is sent in a compressed form while the viewer displays it in real-time. While streaming, there is no need for the user to wait to download or host it to play the file.

What is HD & FHD, UHD & 4K video?

We have tried to put into simple words:
HD or “HD Ready” resolution:
It has 720p image resolution which means 1,280 x 720 pixels – approximately 1 million total pixels.
FHD or “Full HD” resolution:
It has 1080p image resolution, that is, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels – nearly 2 million total pixels.
Ultra HD or “Ultra High Definition” resolution:
A type of display resolution that has 3840 x 2160 pixels-about 8 million total pixels.
4K resolution:
Refers to one of two high definition resolutions-
3840 x 2160 pixels or 4096 x 2160 pixels-approximately 8.8 million total Pixels.
4K is four times the pixel resolution, or twice the line resolution 2160p, of 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels).

More about 4K streaming

The kind of resolution that can make our eyes happy with the vivid and picturesque resolution is 4K in true sense.

Other than the ‘normal’ HD at 720p, then Full HD at 1080p, followed by 4K at 2160p, which is literally double the resolution of Full HD. That is 3840 x 2160 pixels for 4K, in contrast to 1920 x 1080, and more and more contents are available in this higher quality format these days.

4K streaming means watching 2160p content by a web connection. Downloading content to watch with various picture quality options are allowed by streaming services such as Netflix. Some content is, however, only temporary, like a rented film. The content can also be purchased, which means it would no longer need streaming. At any point of streaming, content is also being downloaded, even if the content cannot be kept. If the viewing catches up with the download progress, one gets the dreaded buffering.

How much Bandwidth Required for HD FHD 4K video streaming?

Here we will explain, the bandwidth required for HD FHD 4K video streaming. Well, the bandwidth requirement varies from resolutions to resolutions and Codecs also has a great impact on bandwidth requirement. Here is a details overview of internet requirements for HD, FHD, and 4K video streaming.

The Bandwidth required for HD video streaming

For an HD (High Definition 1280×720) quality video streaming with H.264 codec, it is recommended to have a 3Mbps internet speed. However, it could be 1.5Mbps with the H.265 codec.

The bandwidth required for FHD video streaming

The recommended bandwidth for FHD (1920X1080) resolution with H.264 codec is 6Mbps and with H.265 codec, it is recommended to have a 3Mbps bandwidth speed.

The bandwidth required for 4K video streaming

4K (4096×2160) also known as Ultra HD (UHD), is emerged as a popular video resolution. 4K signifies a horizontal display resolution of roughly 4,000 pixels. For a 4K quality video streaming with H.264 codec, it is recommended to use a 32Mbps bandwidth and, it could be up to 15Mbps with the H.265 codec.

Bandwidth Needed for HD, FHD, UHD, and 4K Streaming with H264 and H265 Codec

Resolutions Required Bandwidth Required Bandwidth
H264 H265
1280×720(HD) 3Mbps 1.5Mbps
1920X1080(FHD) 6Mbps 3Mbps
3840×2160 (UHD) 25Mbps 12Mbps
4096×2160 (4K) 32Mbps 15Mbps

HD, FHD, UHD and 4K resolutions are some popular terms frequently used in Video technology. They are very different in resolutions, pixels, and quality. The video industry has emerged as one of the most rapidly changing industry these years. The latest video technology 8K has already introduced in the market after the massive popularity of its successor 4K resolution. As IP based video streaming is getting popular, the demands for high-speed internet is also increasing rapidly in this industry.