# plotbitrate

> software for generating a graph of a media file's bitrate over time

**Wikidata**: [Q115165445](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115165445)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/plotbitrate

## Summary
Plotbitrate is free multimedia software designed to generate graphs visualizing the bitrate of a media file over time. Written in Python, it functions as a console application that utilizes the Matplotlib library to create static, animated, or interactive visualizations. The tool is distributed under the 2-clause BSD License and is capable of distinguishing between different video frame types within its output.

## Key Facts
- **Description:** Software for generating a graph of a media file's bitrate over time.
- **Software Class:** Free software, console application, and multimedia software.
- **Programming Language:** Python.
- **License:** 2-clause BSD License.
- **Dependencies:** Runs on Matplotlib (a comprehensive visualization library) and pyqt6.
- **Latest Stable Version:** 1.1.3.0 (released May 26, 2024).
- **Source Repository:** hosted at github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate.
- **Package Availability:** Available as a PyPI project (`plotbitrate`) and an AUR package (`plotbitrate-git`).
- **Visual Features:** Can generate graphs distinguishing video frame types (e.g., red, blue, and green) based on bitrate data.

## FAQs
### Q: What specific function does plotbitrate perform?
A: Plotbitrate analyzes media files to produce a visual graph tracking the bitrate changes over the file's duration. It allows users to see data rate fluctuations and can differentiate between specific video frame types in the visualization.

### Q: What are the technical requirements to run plotbitrate?
A: The software is written in Python and requires the Matplotlib library for visualization and pyqt6. It is classified as a console application.

### Q: Is plotbitrate free to use and modify?
A: Yes, it is classified as free software released under the 2-clause BSD License. This allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software.

## Why It Matters
Plotbitrate addresses a specific technical need in the multimedia and video engineering fields: the visualization of bitrate fluctuations. While average bitrate is a common metric, understanding how bitrate varies over time (variable bitrate or VBR) is crucial for diagnosing playback issues, optimizing streaming performance, and quality control in encoding.

By providing a graphical representation of this data, plotbitrate transforms abstract FFmpeg or media data into an interpretable format. The tool's ability to distinguish between frame types (such as I-frames, P-frames, and B-frames) adds a layer of granular analysis useful for codec developers and video editors. Its implementation in Python and availability through standard package managers like PyPI and AUR makes it an accessible utility for developers and system administrators integrating media analysis into automated pipelines.

## Notable For
- **Frame Type Visualization:** Distinguishes different video frame types using color-coded plotting (red, blue, and green) within the bitrate graph.
- **Active Development:** Maintains an active release schedule, with stable updates spanning from 2020 to 2024.
- **Python Integration:** Built entirely in Python, allowing for easy integration into existing Python workflows or scripts utilizing Matplotlib.
- **Licensing:** Distributed under the permissive 2-clause BSD License, facilitating open modification and redistribution.

## Body

### Technical Overview
Plotbitrate is a console application and piece of multimedia software written in the Python programming language. Its primary function is to parse media file data and generate a time-based graph of the file's bitrate.

The software relies on specific dependencies to function:
- **Matplotlib:** A comprehensive library used for creating the visualizations.
- **pyqt6:** A dependency utilized by the software.

The output generated by plotbitrate includes detailed visual data. For example, the software can produce graphs that not only show the bitrate over time but also qualify the data by distinguishing frame types. Visual examples confirm the use of color coding (red, blue, and green) to separate these frame types in the final chart.

### Distribution and Licensing
Plotbitrate is defined as free software, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it. The source code is publicly available and managed via GitHub at `https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate`.

The software is accessible through several distribution channels:
- **PyPI:** Listed under the project name `plotbitrate`.
- **AUR:** Available as `plotbitrate-git`.
- **Repology:** Tracked under the project name `plotbitrate`.

It is licensed under the **2-clause BSD License**.

### Version History
The software has seen regular updates, moving from early 1.0.x versions to the 1.1.x branch as of 2023-2024. Key release milestones include:

- **1.0.7.1:** Released May 26, 2020.
- **1.0.8.0:** Released July 24, 2021.
- **1.1.0.0:** Released May 28, 2023.
- **1.1.1.1 (Stable):** Released November 10, 2023.
- **1.1.2.0 (Stable):** Released January 14, 2024.
- **1.1.3.0 (Stable):** Released May 26, 2024.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/blob/main/LICENSE)
2. [Source](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate)
3. [Release 1.0.7.1. 2020](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.0.7.1)
4. [Release 1.0.7.2. 2020](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.0.7.2)
5. [Release 1.0.7.3. 2021](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.0.7.3)
6. [Release 1.0.7.4. 2021](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.0.7.4)
7. [Release 1.0.8.0. 2021](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.0.8.0)
8. [Release 1.1.0.0. 2023](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.1.0.0)
9. [Release 1.1.1.0. 2023](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.1.1.0)
10. [Release 1.1.1.1. 2023](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.1.1.1)
11. [Release 1.1.2.0. 2024](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.1.2.0)
12. [Release 1.1.3.0. 2024](https://github.com/zeroepoch/plotbitrate/releases/tag/1.1.3.0)