Frequently Asked Questions about Streaming

Have you ever tuned into a Twitch stream and noticed that the streamer is broadcasting in 900p resolution? While 720p and 1080p are the most common resolutions used on the platform, there are still many streamers who choose to go with the in-between option. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of streaming at 900p resolution, both from a viewer's and a streamer's perspective. So, whether you're curious about this resolution or considering using it for your own streams, read on to learn everything you need to know. What is a 900p resolution? In video streaming, resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image on the screen. A resolution of 900p means that the image has 900 horizontal pixels and a vertical resolution of 1440 pixels. This resolution is also known as 1600x900, as it has a total pixel count of 1,440,000. It's an intermediary resolution between 720p (1280x720) and 1080p (1920x1080). While 720p is commonly used for streams that prioritize fast motion and low latency, and 1080p is used for streams that prioritize high image quality, 900p offers a balance between the two. Compared to 1080p resolution, which has a total pixel count of 2,073,600, 900p has about 30% fewer pixels. However, compared to 720p resolution, which has a total pixel count of 921,600, 900p has about 56% more pixels. This means that 900p resolution can offer a balance between image quality and performance, as it has more pixels than 720p while requiring less processing power than 1080p. View the full list of gaming resolutions Why would people stream in 900p? There are several reasons why streamers might choose to broadcast at 900p resolution. First and foremost, it offers a balance between image quality and performance. While 1080p resolution can provide higher image quality, it requires a higher bitrate and processing power. 900p resolution, on the other hand, can offer a similar level of image quality to 1080p while requiring less processing power and bitrate. When going from 720p to 900p, the increase in resolution allows for more detail in the image. This is especially important for streams that feature text or graphics, as the higher resolution can make them easier to read and see. Additionally, some viewers may prefer the extra detail in the image, even if they are not able to view the stream at full 1080p resolution. When going down from 1080p to 900p, the decrease in resolution can help improve stream quality by reducing the strain on the streamer's internet connection and computer resources. This can result in a more stable stream with fewer dropped frames, which can ultimately lead to a better viewing experience for the audience. Overall, the decision to stream at 900p resolution comes down to a balance between image quality, performance, and bitrate. Depending on the streamer's setup and the preferences of their audience, 900p resolution can offer a viable alternative to both 720p and 1080p. Is streaming at 900p a good idea? While streaming at 900p resolution can provide a good balance between image quality and performance, there are some considerations to keep in mind. One issue with 900p resolution is that it is not a true 16:9 resolution, which can lead to black bars appearing on the top and bottom of the screen. This may not be a major issue for some viewers, but it can detract from the overall viewing experience. Additionally, as mentioned by some streamers, it's important to use a resolution that is divisible by 8. This means that both the horizontal and vertical pixel counts of the resolution are evenly divisible by 8. This is important because most video codecs and streaming platforms such as Twitch use a "macroblock size" of 8x8 pixels. By using a resolution that is divisible by 8, the video can be encoded and decoded more efficiently, leading to better image quality and performance. If the resolution is not divisible by 8, the video codec may have to use partial macroblocks or other workarounds, which can result in lower quality and more strain on the encoding and decoding processes. To address these issues, some streamers have begun to use a resolution of 1664x936, which is a true 16:9 resolution that is divisible by 8. This resolution retains the same aspect ratio as 900p, while offering improved image quality due to the lack of partial pixels being rendered. Ultimately, the decision to stream at 900p or 936p comes down to the individual streamer's setup and their priorities in terms of image quality, performance, and audience preferences. While 900p can offer a good balance between these factors, those looking for even better image quality may want to consider using 936p or another resolution that is truly 16:9 and divisible by 8. As always, it's important to test different resolutions and settings to find what works best for your particular stream. Conclusion In conclusion, streaming at 900p resolution can offer a balance between image quality and performance, making it a viable option for many streamers. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind, such as the fact that 900p is not a true 16:9 resolution and that it's important to use a resolution that is divisible by 8. To address these issues, some streamers have begun to use a resolution of 1664x936, which offers the same aspect ratio as 900p but is truly 16:9 and divisible by 8. This can result in improved image quality and performance compared to streaming at 900p resolution. Ultimately, the decision to stream at 900p or 936p comes down to the individual streamer's priorities and setup. While 900p can offer a good balance between image quality and performance, those who are looking for even better image quality may want to consider using 936p or another resolution that is truly 16:9 and divisible by 8. In summary, both 900p and 936p can be good options for streaming on Twitch, and it's important for streamers to experiment with different resolutions and settings to find what works best for them. As always, the most important thing is to prioritize the viewer experience and create content that is engaging and enjoyable to watch.