● Rec Streaming guides + free tools
Understand the tech behind every stream.
Plain-English guides on DRM, HLS, DASH, encoding and live video, written for developers, creators and anyone building a video business. Plus free tools that run in your browser.
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Latest guides
Researched, tested and updated when the tech changes.
Live Streaming
Video Streaming Bandwidth Requirements: How Much Do You Need?
HLS & DASH
What Is HLS Streaming? HTTP Live Streaming Explained
DRM & Security
Widevine L1 vs L2 vs L3: Security Levels Explained
Encoding & Compression
What Is Video Bitrate? CBR, VBR and CRF Explained
HLS & DASH
What Is MPEG-DASH? Dynamic Adaptive Streaming Explained
DRM & Security
Widevine vs FairPlay vs PlayReady: Which DRM Do You Need?
Encoding & Compression
How to Compress Video Without Losing Quality (2026 Guide)
HLS & DASH
HLS vs DASH: Which Streaming Protocol Should You Use?
DRM & Security
What Is Multi-DRM? One Stream, Every Device
Free video tools
Everything runs locally in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
MbpsStreaming Bandwidth CalculatorWork out the upload and CDN bandwidth for any number of viewers.m3u8HLS Player OnlineTest any .m3u8 stream in your browser and inspect its quality levels.mpdDASH Player OnlinePlay and debug MPEG-DASH .mpd manifests without installing anything.EMEDRM Support CheckerSee which DRM systems and Widevine robustness levels your browser supports.ZIPVideo CompressorShrink a video file in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.MBBitrate & File Size CalculatorConvert between bitrate, duration and file size in seconds.#EXTM3U8 Playlist AnalyzerPaste an HLS playlist and get its renditions, segments and tags explained.AV1Codec Support CheckerCheck H.264, HEVC, VP9 and AV1 playback support on this device.16:9Aspect Ratio CalculatorResize video dimensions without stretching or black bars.
Browse by topic
DRMDRM & SecurityWidevine, FairPlay, PlayReady, encryption and how premium video stays protected.HLSHLS & DASHHow adaptive streaming protocols deliver video, from playlists to segments.ENCEncoding & CompressionCodecs, bitrates and export settings that keep quality high and files small.LIVELive StreamingIngest protocols, latency, bandwidth planning and running live events.PLAYPlayers & PlaybackWeb players, playback errors, device support and troubleshooting.BIZVideo BusinessHosting, CDNs, OTT platforms and protecting paid video content.