Techniques are described for determining quality of experience (QoE) rate information for streaming video. For example, QoE rates can be calculated by a client while receiving and decoding an encoded video stream. The QoE rates can be calculated based on the number of video stalls that occur at the client while decoding the encoded video stream during a plurality of time periods. Determining whether a video stall occurs during a given time period involves comparing an encoded frame rate to a decoded frame rate. Indications of the QoE rates can be output.

Techniques are described for determining quality of experience (QoE) rate information for streaming video. For example, QoE rates can be calculated by a client while receiving and decoding an encoded video stream. The QoE rates can be calculated based on the number of video stalls that occur at the client while decoding the encoded video stream during a plurality of time periods. Determining whether a video stall occurs during a given time period involves comparing an encoded frame rate to a decoded frame rate. Indications of the QoE rates can be output.

Systems, devices, methods, and computer readable media are provided for distributing data with multi-tiered encoding. For example, a system for transmission of data streams to endpoints is provided that includes: encoders, each encoder configured to encode a data stream according to at least one encoding parameter; virtual transmitters organized into groups based on at least one transmission characteristic; each group of virtual transmitters configured to receive encoded data from an associated one of the encoders; each virtual transmitter of the plurality of virtual transmitters configured to transmit the encoded data to an associated one of the plurality of endpoints; and at least one controller configured to monitor transmission characteristics of the plurality of virtual transmitters and to adjust membership of the virtual transmitters in the plurality of groups based on the monitored transmission characteristics. The system may be further configured for synchronization, uni/bi-directional communication, etc.

Systems, devices, methods, and computer readable media are provided for distributing data with multi-tiered encoding. For example, a system for transmission of data streams to endpoints is provided that includes: encoders, each encoder configured to encode a data stream according to at least one encoding parameter; virtual transmitters organized into groups based on at least one transmission characteristic; each group of virtual transmitters configured to receive encoded data from an associated one of the encoders; each virtual transmitter of the plurality of virtual transmitters configured to transmit the encoded data to an associated one of the plurality of endpoints; and at least one controller configured to monitor transmission characteristics of the plurality of virtual transmitters and to adjust membership of the virtual transmitters in the plurality of groups based on the monitored transmission characteristics. The system may be further configured for synchronization, uni/bi-directional communication, etc.

System and methods for modifying streaming data based on radio frequency information is provided. As radio transceivers transition move to a shared resource or cloud model and the existing radio transceivers are split into a baseband unit and a remote radio head, radio frequency (RF) information including power levels, encoding, data rates, and bandwidth can be provided to video optimization server. The RF information can be provided more frequently to allow real-time modifications to streaming video data. Existing protocols are reactionary in nature and perceive changing channel conditions indirectly. By providing RF information from the baseband unit on a low latency channel, modifications to the video stream can be made before an impact would be noticed at the protocol level. Also, policy information can be used to influence the changes made to streaming data in addition to the RF information.

System and methods for modifying streaming data based on radio frequency information is provided. As radio transceivers transition move to a shared resource or cloud model and the existing radio transceivers are split into a baseband unit and a remote radio head, radio frequency (RF) information including power levels, encoding, data rates, and bandwidth can be provided to video optimization server. The RF information can be provided more frequently to allow real-time modifications to streaming video data. Existing protocols are reactionary in nature and perceive changing channel conditions indirectly. By providing RF information from the baseband unit on a low latency channel, modifications to the video stream can be made before an impact would be noticed at the protocol level. Also, policy information can be used to influence the changes made to streaming data in addition to the RF information.

Systems and methods are described for performing adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming. A user device may request a segment of a first version of a plurality of versions of a content asset from a content provider, and may receive the segment. An estimated time to receive a second segment of a second version of the content may be determined based on metrics associated with receipt of the segment of the first version and in a manner that takes into account latency with the network, such that a determination whether to switch to a higher or lower bitrate version of a content asset during ABR streaming may be more accurately made.

Systems and methods are described for performing adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming. A user device may request a segment of a first version of a plurality of versions of a content asset from a content provider, and may receive the segment. An estimated time to receive a second segment of a second version of the content may be determined based on metrics associated with receipt of the segment of the first version and in a manner that takes into account latency with the network, such that a determination whether to switch to a higher or lower bitrate version of a content asset during ABR streaming may be more accurately made.

System and methods for selecting one of the alternative streams of encoded media from a group of alternative streams of encoded media for use during start-up of playback of the encoded media in accordance with embodiments of this invention are disclosed. The systems and methods begin by determining an estimated stability period for a current bandwidth of a communicative connection between the playback device and a remote system providing the alternative streams of encoded. A test process is then performed on the streams of encoded media to select one of streams of encoded media that provides portions of said encoded media such that an underflow condition does not occur during the estimated stability period. The streaming of encoded media is then commenced by requesting the portions of encoded media be transmitted from the remote server using the selected stream.

System and methods for selecting one of the alternative streams of encoded media from a group of alternative streams of encoded media for use during start-up of playback of the encoded media in accordance with embodiments of this invention are disclosed. The systems and methods begin by determining an estimated stability period for a current bandwidth of a communicative connection between the playback device and a remote system providing the alternative streams of encoded. A test process is then performed on the streams of encoded media to select one of streams of encoded media that provides portions of said encoded media such that an underflow condition does not occur during the estimated stability period. The streaming of encoded media is then commenced by requesting the portions of encoded media be transmitted from the remote server using the selected stream.