Image degradation characterized by visible squares or blocks, sometimes observed during streaming, is a common issue. This artifacting occurs when the video signal is compressed to a high degree, or when the network connection is insufficient to maintain the required data rate. For example, a movie displaying distinct blocky patterns during a fast-paced action scene demonstrates this visual distortion.
The presence of this visual distortion detracts from the viewing experience and can render content unwatchable. Historically, this problem was more prevalent due to lower bandwidth availability. Improvements in video compression algorithms and increased internet speeds have mitigated the issue, but it remains a concern under certain circumstances, such as during peak usage times or on networks with limited bandwidth.