Skip to main content
All CollectionsVideo SecurityLive Streaming
Modify High Quality Video Bitrates
Modify High Quality Video Bitrates

Optimize your camera's video quality by adjusting the HQ bitrate

Updated today

You can change a camera's high-quality (HQ) bitrate to optimize the viewing experience.

This feature is not compatible with the PTZ series cameras.

Considerations

  • The default HQ bitrate preset (Enhanced) uses a variable bitrate, dynamically adjusting based on the scene. High-motion scenes consume more bandwidth for better quality, while simpler scenes use less, which optimizes storage space. In contrast, other presets use a constant bitrate for HQ video.

  • If you choose a higher video quality, a shorter duration of HQ video is saved for later viewing.

  • Estimates are calculated based on the camera’s recording history, using existing HQ footage to estimate motion levels during the retention period. If the camera has been installed for only a short time (e.g., 1 hour), there may not be enough data for Command to provide an accurate estimate.

Lower the bitrate to conserve network resources and optimize performance in bandwidth-constrained environments. Increase the bitrate for areas with high motion, such as busy hallways, to ensure better video quality.


Change the HQ video quality

You need Site Admin permissions to change a camera's HQ video bitrate.

  1. In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Cameras.

  2. Select a camera you want to modify.

  3. On the right, click Settings.

  4. Under Device > HQ Video Bitrate, select an option from the dropdown.

This setting does not impact SQ storage. SQ video is retained for the camera's set days of retention.


HQ bitrates (in Kbps)

Models

Good

Advanced

Enhanced (default)

Ultra

CD63-E, CD63, CD62-E, CD62, CD61, CF83-E, CF81-E, CB62-TE, CB62-E, CB61-TE, CB61-E

2,000

3,000

4,500

6,000

CD52, CD52-F, CD52-E-F, CD51, CD42, CD42-F, CD42-E-F, CD41, CD32, CD31, CD22, CH52-E, CB52-TE, CB52-E, CB51-TE, CB51-E, CM42, CM42-S, CM41, CM41-S, D40

1,000

1,500

3,000

4,500

CM61, D80

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

D30, D50

800

1,000

2,000

3,000

SQ and audio bitrates (in Kbps)

Models

SQ Bitrates

Audio Bitrates

CD52, CD52-F, CD52-E-F, CD51, CD42, CD42-F, CD42-E-F, CD41, CH52, CB52-TE*, CB52-E*, CM42, CM42-S, CD32, CD31, CD22, CM22, CB51-TE*, CB51-E*, CM41-S, CM41-E, CM41, D50*, D40, D30

300

16

CD63, CD62, CD61, CF83-E, CF81-E, CB62-TE*, CB62-E*, CB61-TE*, CB61-E*, CM61, D80*

600

16

* Audio is not supported.


Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.

Did this answer your question?