---
title: 'Increasing video playback quality in MediaLab'
description: 'How to improve video playback quality by transcoding a file at a higher bitrate or changing the default bitrate for all new videos.'
url: https://www.medialab.co/support/troubleshooting/playback/increasing-video-playback-quality-in-medialab
---

# Increasing video playback quality in MediaLab

All uploaded videos are automatically transcoded to ensure compatibility with web browsers and mobile devices. By default, MediaLab uses a preset that:

- Maintains the original resolution
- Uses a **1 Mbit/s bitrate**

While this is sufficient for most content, it may be too low for videos requiring higher visual quality.

### Changing the Bitrate for an Individual File

1. Open the file in MediaLab.
2. Go to **File → Media Editor → Transcode**.
3. Select MP4 High res and choose a higher bitrate setting.

### Changing the Default Bitrate for All Incoming Videos

1. Navigate to **Settings → Media → Video**.
2. Adjust the default bitrate to your preferred value.
3. All future uploads will use this new setting.

For more details on bitrate options, see <a href="/support/core/review-and-approve/choosing-the-right-bitrate-for-your-video"> this article</a>.

After changing the default, it's also possible to kick off an overall workflow to transcode all existing files to the new bitrate (**Start workflow**).

### Multi-bitrate playback

MediaLab supports multi-bitrate playback, allowing you to deliver videos with multiple bitrates to optimize playback quality based on the viewer's connection speed.
This feature ensures a smoother viewing experience, even on slower connections.
To enable multi-bitrate playback, go to **File → Media Editor → Transcode** and select **HLS**.

### 4K playback

MediaLab supports 4K and HDR playback, providing a high-resolution viewing experience for your videos.
This feature is not enabled by default and can be requested through the service desk.