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How do I adjust video quality?Updated 2 months ago

Managing Video Quality and Data Usage

CENTR allows you to adjust video quality settings to manage your data usage, especially helpful when training on mobile data or with limited bandwidth.

Where to Find Video Settings

Workout Settings

Video quality can be adjusted in the workout settings:

  1. Navigate to your workout settings within the CENTR app
  2. Look for the video quality or data usage options
  3. Toggle the low data mode setting

The exact location may vary slightly by app version, but look for settings related to video playback or data usage.

Low Data Mode

What is Low Data Mode?

Low data mode is CENTR's video quality adjustment feature:

  • Reduces video quality/resolution
  • Significantly decreases data consumption
  • Maintains audio quality for trainer instructions
  • Still provides clear enough video to follow movements

When to Enable Low Data Mode

Consider turning on low data mode when:

  • Using mobile data: Conserve your cellular data allowance
  • Limited data plan: Avoid exceeding monthly caps
  • Traveling: Working out with hotel or public WiFi
  • Slow internet: Preventing buffering and loading issues
  • Data costs: Reducing expensive international roaming charges
  • Multiple users: Sharing bandwidth with household members

When to Disable Low Data Mode

Use full quality video when:

  • Connected to reliable, unlimited WiFi
  • Want the best visual experience
  • Learning new exercises that require detailed viewing
  • Following complex movement patterns
  • Your internet connection is fast and stable

How Low Data Mode Affects Workouts

Video Quality Reduction

  • Lower resolution (fewer pixels)
  • Reduced bitrate (compressed video)
  • May appear slightly less sharp
  • Still clear enough to see trainer form and movements

What Stays the Same

  • Audio quality remains unchanged
  • All trainer instructions are clear
  • Workout functionality identical
  • Timing and structure unchanged
  • Controls work the same way

Data Usage Estimates

While exact numbers vary, typical data consumption:

  • Full quality: Approximately 200-400 MB per 30-minute workout (varies by video quality)
  • Low data mode: Significantly reduced, potentially 50-70% less data

These are estimates - actual usage depends on video length, quality settings, and compression.

Which Workouts Use Video?

Coached Workouts

Coached workouts are video-based follow-along classes, so they consume more data:

  • Streaming video throughout the workout
  • Higher data usage
  • Most impacted by low data mode setting
  • Benefit significantly from quality adjustment

Self-Guided Workouts

Self-Guided workouts use less data:

  • Primarily static images and text
  • Short video tutorials for exercise demonstrations
  • Much lower data consumption overall
  • Less affected by video quality settings

Download vs. Streaming

CENTR primarily uses streaming for workouts. To minimize data usage:

  • Train on WiFi whenever possible
  • Enable low data mode for mobile data use
  • Close other apps that might be using data
  • Ensure only essential apps run in background

WiFi vs. Mobile Data Recommendations

On WiFi

  • Use full quality for best experience
  • Don't worry about data caps
  • Enjoy high-definition video
  • Buffer time should be minimal

On Mobile Data

  • Always enable low data mode
  • Download content on WiFi if possible (for any downloadable features)
  • Monitor your data usage in device settings
  • Consider Self-Guided workouts to minimize data use

Troubleshooting Video Quality Issues

Video Buffering or Stuttering

  • Enable low data mode to reduce bandwidth requirements
  • Close other apps using internet in background
  • Move closer to WiFi router
  • Restart your router if on home WiFi
  • Check if others are streaming on your network

Video Won't Load

  • Check your internet connection
  • Try toggling low data mode on/off
  • Force close and restart the CENTR app
  • Ensure app is updated to latest version

Poor Video Quality Even on Full Setting

  • Your internet speed may be limiting playback quality
  • Test your connection speed (aim for at least 5+ Mbps for HD video)
  • Connect via WiFi instead of mobile data
  • Try a different time when network is less congested

Battery Considerations

Video streaming also impacts battery life:

  • Lower quality video uses less processing power
  • Low data mode can extend battery life slightly
  • Consider charging during longer workouts
  • Close unnecessary apps to preserve battery

Quality vs. Experience

Remember that workout effectiveness doesn't depend on perfect video quality:

  • Trainer instructions are primarily audio-based
  • You can follow movements even with reduced quality
  • Saving data may be more important than perfect visuals
  • Focus is on your effort, not video sharpness

Need Help?

If you're experiencing persistent video quality issues or need help adjusting settings, contact us at [email protected] with details about your device, internet connection type, and the specific issue.

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