Systems and Methods for Encoding Alternative Streams of Video for Playback on Playback Devices Having Predetermined Display Aspect Ratios and Network Connection Maximum Data Rates

Abstract

Systems and methods for adaptive bitrate streaming of alternative streams of video encoded at resolution and sample aspect ratio combinations and maximum bitrates in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a source encoder configured to encode a source video stream as a plurality of alternative streams of video for playback on a playback device includes a processor configured to receive multimedia content including source video data having a primary resolution, a primary sample aspect ratio, and a primary frame rate and to encode the source video data as alternative streams of video, where the resolution and sample aspect ratio of at least one of the alternative streams of video are selected to have an aspect ratio that is the same as a predetermined display aspect ratio and at least one of the alternative streams is encoded at a maximum bitrate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A source encoder configured to encode a source video stream as a plurality of alternative streams of video for playback on a playback device, comprising:
 a processor configured by an encoding application to:
 receive multimedia content, where the multimedia content comprises source video data having a primary resolution, a primary sample aspect ratio, and a primary frame rate; and 
 encode the source video data as a set of alternative streams of video, where: 
 the resolution and sample aspect ratio of at least one of the alternative streams of video are selected to have an aspect ratio that is the same as a predetermined display aspect ratio; and 
 at least one of the alternative streams is encoded at a maximum bitrate corresponding to a predetermined network connection maximum data rate.