An improved system and method for predicting streaming media performance
through the use of real-time wireless network performance measurements
and statistical analysis, combined with a generalized methodology for
comparing digital media quality before and after transmission. Network
performance parameters of a benchmark media stream, such as throughput
and signal strength, are measured for predetermined wireless network
ranges and correlated to the introduction of various artifacts such as
but not limited to, blurring, blockiness, and jerkiness, affecting
streaming video quality. In various embodiments of the invention, network
throughput and signal strength measurements of a received media stream
can be processed by an algorithm and correlated to previously collected
benchmark measurements to predict the resulting audio and video quality
as experienced by a user.