● 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.
Latest guides
Researched, tested and updated when the tech changes.
DRM & Security
What Is FairPlay Streaming? Apple's DRM Explained
Live Streaming
Video Streaming Bandwidth Requirements: How Much Do You Need?
HLS & DASH
What Is HLS Streaming? HTTP Live Streaming Explained
DRM & Security
What Is PlayReady? Microsoft's DRM Explained
DRM & Security
Widevine L1 vs L2 vs L3: Security Levels Explained
Encoding & Compression
What Is Video Bitrate? CBR, VBR and CRF Explained
Players & Playback
How to Play M3U8 Links in VLC, Chrome, Android and on TV
HLS & DASH
What Is MPEG-DASH? Dynamic Adaptive Streaming Explained
DRM & Security
Widevine vs FairPlay vs PlayReady: Which DRM Do You Need?
Free video tools
Everything runs locally in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
HLS Player OnlineTest any .m3u8 stream in your browser and inspect its quality levels.Open tool →
Video CompressorShrink a video file in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.Open tool →
Streaming Bandwidth CalculatorWork out the upload and CDN bandwidth for any number of viewers.Open tool →
DRM Support CheckerSee which DRM systems and Widevine robustness levels your browser supports.Open tool →
Video to GIF ConverterTurn a short clip into an animated GIF. No upload, no watermark.Open tool →
Subtitle Converter (SRT ↔ VTT)Convert SRT and WebVTT subtitles and fix timing offsets.Open tool →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.