Variable Bitrates for PTZ Cameras

Learn more about the variable bitrates for PTZ cameras

PTZ cameras have variable bitrates that provide the highest quality video possible with 30, 60, 90, or 180 days of retention, depending on the onboard storage. The bitrates change with the state in which the camera is operating. The PTZ cameras can operate in two states:

• Static—The camera is online and recording but not moving.

• User-controlled—The camera is recording, where an authorized user manually controls the camera through the in-Verkada Command controls or a hand-held controller.

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How variable bitrates work

The PTZ cameras use 4 separate streams to ensure the best possible user experience. Each camera uses H.264 and H.265 in standard quality (SQ) and high quality (HQ) streams.

CP52-E

Stream	Purpose	Static (Kbps)	Moving (Kbps)
SQ (H.264 only)	Live view	1,000	2,000
SQ (H.265 supported)	Storage	600	1,500
HQ (H.264 only)	Live view	3,000	4,500
HQ (H.265 supported)	Storage	2,500	4,000

CP63-E

Stream	Purpose	Static (Kbps)	Moving (Kbps)
SQ (H.264 only)	Live view	1,000	3,000
SQ (H.265 supported)	Storage	1,200	1,500
HQ (H.264 only)	Live view	3,000	5,000
HQ (H.265 supported)	Storage	4,000	4,000

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About the streams

Stream	Use Case
SQ H.264 only	Live view only and is not retained for historical recordings. This stream is meant for live monitoring on slower internet speeds or while using the mobile app when on the go.
SQ H.265 supported	Used for SQ historical recordings and operates at slightly lower bitrates when compared to the SQ live stream. This stream is meant for historical monitoring when no motion occurs in the camera’s scene or when using a slow internet connection.
HQ H.264 only	Live view only and is not retained for historical recordings. Used for live monitoring on networks that can allocate at least 4.5 Mbps to the camera.
HQ H.265 supported	Used for HQ historical recordings and operates at a slightly lower bitrate to prioritize the number of HQ days that will be stored. This stream is meant for historical investigations of motion events.

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