Acronym for Constant Bit Rate, a method of encoding digital media where data flows at a steady, unchanging rate. Also refers to Comic Book Reader file format for digital comics.
Modern acronym formed from the initial letters of 'Constant Bit Rate,' emerging with digital media technology in the 1990s. The comic book reader meaning developed separately as digital comics became popular in the 2000s.
CBR encoding trades efficiency for simplicity - while variable bit rate can produce smaller files by using fewer bits during quiet moments, CBR's predictable data flow makes it ideal for live streaming where you can't go back and optimize. It's a perfect example of how technical constraints shape the tools we use daily.
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