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.
In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Cameras
.Select a camera you want to modify.
On the right, click Settings
.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 |
CD53-E, CD53, CD43-E, CD43, 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 |
CD53, CD53-E, CD43, CD43-E, 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.