Bitrate

/ˈbɪtreɪt/ noun

Definition

The number of bits processed per unit of time in digital media, typically measured in bits per second and determining audio or video quality.

Etymology

A compound term from 'bit' (binary digit) and 'rate' (speed of occurrence). Emerged with digital audio technology in the 1980s as a way to quantify digital media quality and compression efficiency.

Kelly Says

Bitrate represents the fascinating intersection of mathematics and human perception - higher bitrates generally mean better quality, but there's a sweet spot where most people can't distinguish improvements. This concept drives the entire streaming economy, balancing quality against bandwidth costs.

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