> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.verkada.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.verkada.com/verkada-cameras/video-streaming-and-sharing/live-streaming/modify-high-quality-video-bitrates.md).
# 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.
{% hint style="danger" %}
This feature is not compatible with the [PTZ series cameras](https://www.verkada.com/security-cameras/ptz/#overview).
{% endhint %}
### 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.
{% hint style="info" %}
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.
{% endhint %}
***
## Change the HQ video quality
{% hint style="danger" %}
You need [Site Admin](/verkada-cameras/getting-started/roles-and-permissions-for-cameras.md) permissions to change a camera's HQ video bitrate.
{% endhint %}
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Cameras.**
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Select a camera you want to modify.**
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**On the right, click Settings.**
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Under Device > HQ Video Bitrate, select an option from the dropdown.**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
This setting does not impact SQ storage. SQ video is retained for the camera's set days of retention.
{% endhint %}
***
### HQ bitrates (in Kbps)
| | | | | |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ------------ | ---------------------- | --------- |
| **Models** | **Good** | **Advanced** | **Enhanced (default)** | **Ultra** |
| CR63-E, CR63-TE | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| CD63-E, CD63-F, CD63-E-F, CD63, CD62-E, CD62, CD61-E, CD61, CF83-E, CF81-E, CB63-TE, CB63-E, CB62-TE, CB62-E, CB61-TE, CB61-E, CY63-E, CH63-E | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,500 | 6,000 |
| CD53-E, CD53-F, CD53-E-F, CD53, CD43-E, CD43-F, CD43-E-F, CD43, CD52-E, CD52, CD52-F, CD52-E-F, CD51-E, CD51, CD42-E, CD42, CD42-F, CD42-E-F, CD41-E, CD41, CD32-E, CD32, CD31-E, CD31, CD22-E, CD22, CY53-E, CH53-E, CH52-E, CH52-E-F, CB53-TE, CB53-E, CB52-TE, CB52-E, CB51-TE, CB51-E, CM42, CM42-S, CM41-E, CM41, CM41-S, CM22, 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-E, CD53-F, CD53-E-F, CD53, CD43-E, CD43-F, CD43-E-F, CD43, CD52-E, CD52-F, CD52-E-F, CD52, CD51-E, CD51, CD42-E, CD42-F, CD42-E-F, CD42, CD41-E, CD41, CD32-E, CD32, CD31-E, CD31, CD22-E, CD22, CY53-E, CH53-E, CH52-E, CH52-E-F, CB53-TE\*, CB53-E\*, CB52-TE\*, CB52-E\*, CB51-TE\*, CB51-E\*, CM42, CM42-S, CM41-E, CM41, CM41-S, CM22\*, D50\*, D40, D30 | 300 | 16 |
| CR63-E, CR63-TE, CD63-E, CD63-F, CD63-E-F, CD63, CD62-E, CD62, CD61-E, CD61, CF83-E, CF81-E, CB63-TE\*, CB63-E\*, CB62-TE\*, CB62-E\*, CB61-TE\*, CB61-E\*, CY63-E, CH63-E, CM61, D80\* | 600 | 16 |
{% hint style="warning" %}
\* Audio is not supported.
{% endhint %}
---
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