A source encoder configured to encode a source video stream as a plurality of alternative streams of video for playback on a playback device, comprising:
- a processor configured by an encoding application to:
- receive multimedia content, where the multimedia content comprises source video data having a primary resolution, a primary sample aspect ratio, and a primary frame rate;
- and
- encode the source video data as a set of alternative streams of video, where:
- the resolution and sample aspect ratio of at least one of the alternative streams of video are selected to have an aspect ratio that is the same as a predetermined display aspect ratio;
- and
- at least one of the alternative streams is encoded at a maximum bitrate corresponding to a predetermined network connection maximum data rate.