Abstract: Systems and methods are described for modifying the hint track to smooth out the data transmission rates thereby reducing bandwidth spikes during transmission. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by examining the size of each frame and using the frame rate to calculate per-frame bitrates. The transmission start times are then adjusted for each packet in order to spread out packet transmission times and (if necessary) lengthen frame transmission times. This has the effect of reducing the bandwidth peaks. In effect, every network packet is planned in advance and a detailed description of what data should be sent at what point in time is stored in the hint tracks. Thus, the streaming server simply looks up the correct data send timing in a table, rather than performing expensive calculations repeatedly at send time.