Watch YouTube Videos in High Definition Quality

YouTube has formally announced that it will re-encode most of the videos in their database to a higher definition quality. By changing the settings in your account in Youtube you can watch the high definition quality videos automatically.

Before even if the user had uploaded high definition videos to Youtube it was converted to standard definition videos by Youtube, so that everyone can see it whether they have slower or faster internet connection. It also made seeing videos in various platforms such as in iPhone, Smart phone and mobiles possible.

Now slowly Youtube is providing high definition videos so anyone can see it if they have faster broadband connection, for others the standard definition videos will be still available.

Youtube in its blog said about this transition:

"You may have noticed that we're now giving you the option of watching some YouTube videos in higher quality. We're making these streams available on certain videos, based upon the source file uploaded to us, and over time you'll find a greater percentage of the library is available to view in higher quality."

Few weeks ago, we learnt how to see the videos in high definition by appending &fmt=18 or &fmt=6 to a Youtube URL. Now we don’t have to add this “&fmt=6” to see a high definition video every time, Youtube has made it convenient for us by updating our account as follows:

1. Log on to your Youtube account

2. Click “My Account” --> “Video Playback Quality”

3. In “Video Playback Quality”, choose the third option, "I have a fast connection. Always play higher-quality video when it's available." shown in the picture below.

4. Click “save settings”.

The new saved setting is equivalent to appending &fmt=6 to the URL and you get 448 x 336 resolution FLV1 videos with audio encoded at a sample rate of 44100 Hz, up from 320 x 240 resolution FLV1 videos with audio encoded at 22050 Hz.

Next time when you see a Youtube video, if it is a high definition one, it will play automatically.

Now users can upload all their high definition videos and Youtube will maintain its quality and everyone can enjoy quality videos.

Change the settings in your Youtube account and try to see the above HBO video “The Wire”, you will notice the difference.