Modify High Quality Video Bitrates

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

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.

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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.

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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, CY53-E, 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, CY53-E, 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.