There are several common video codecs you may run into when editing. A codec is a file structure for video. It tells a device how to read the file and what software to use to do it:
MPEG1 - Like all MPEG formats formats, this is a lossy format. MPEG1 is the most lossy of this series of codecs. It's used for video CDs and used to be a common Internet video format before better formats became commonplace.
MPEG2 - MPEG2 is the base codec for DVD, HDTV and satellite transmission.
MPEG4 - This is currently the most efficient version of the MPEG codec. It offers both small file size and excellent image quality. Many video services are moving toward MPEG4 for their transmissions.
DIVX - This is a variation of the MPEG4 format. It used to require special software to play it. Now, though, most players support it.
AVI - This is a Windows format. Generally, Windows Media Player is used to play these files. It uses less compression and is best for editing on Windows machines.
MOV - Quicktime movies are saved in the MOV codec. This is a format originally created by Apple, but can be used with Windows machines, as well.
Real Video - This codec uses Real Player for playback. It's a common Internet video format.
|