Multi-bitrate encoding is the process of encoding a single live video source into several output streams at different bitrates simultaneously. Each output stream represents the same content at a different quality level, for example 4K at 15 Mbps, 1080p at 5 Mbps, and 720p at 2 Mbps. These outputs are then packaged and delivered through adaptive streaming protocols so that players can automatically select the version that best matches each viewer's available bandwidth in real time.