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.