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# Control rendition order

> Learn how to set the resolution preference order during adaptive playback in the FastPix Android Player.

Learn how to set the resolution preference order during adaptive playback in the FastPix Android Player.

Rendition order controls which resolutions the player prefers during adaptive playback. You can prioritize quick startup (ascending) or best quality first (descending).

## Set the rendition order

```kotlin
private fun startPlayback() {
    player?.setFastPixMediaItem {
        playbackId = "YOUR_PLAYBACK_ID"
        renditionOrder = RenditionOrder.Descending
    }
}
```

## Available modes

* **Ascending**: 480p → 720p → 1080p. Starts with the lowest resolution for a faster startup, then increases quality as conditions allow.
* **Descending**: 1080p → 720p → 480p. Starts with the highest resolution for the best initial quality, then steps down if needed.
* **Default**: uses the player's default rendition order.

## When to use each mode

Use ascending order when quick startup matters (for example, mobile on cellular networks). Use descending order when you want the best initial viewing experience and can tolerate a slightly longer load time.

The player switches resolutions based on real-time network and device conditions while respecting the set priorities. This helps avoid sudden quality drops and maintains smoother playback.

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#### Frequently asked questions

Rendition order controls which resolutions the player prefers during adaptive playback. You set it on the media item with `renditionOrder`, choosing `RenditionOrder.Ascending`, `RenditionOrder.Descending`, or `RenditionOrder.Default`.

Ascending (480p to 720p to 1080p) starts with the lowest resolution for faster startup, then increases quality as conditions allow. Descending (1080p to 720p to 480p) starts with the highest resolution for the best initial quality, then steps down if needed.

Use `RenditionOrder.Ascending`, which begins at the lowest resolution so the first frame appears sooner, which is useful for mobile on cellular networks. Choose `RenditionOrder.Descending` when the best initial quality matters more than load time.

`RenditionOrder.Default` uses the player's built-in rendition order instead of forcing an ascending or descending preference. Set it when you want standard adaptive behavior without steering toward startup speed or initial quality.

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## What's next

* [Set playback resolution](/docs/android-player/set-playback-resolution) to cap or fix the resolution the player streams.
* [Switch video quality](/docs/android-player/switch-video-quality) so users can lock a fixed quality or return to adaptive auto mode.
* [Preload and cache for faster startup](/docs/android-player/preload-and-cache-for-faster-startup) to cut the time before the first frame appears.