To better understand its video file formats, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types on the market and their specific features.
1. AVI or WMV (Microsoft)
AVI video file formats are used to completely dominate the video market. However, the popularity of the format has declined recently, AVI videos are still common on the Internet. Microsoft replaced AVI with the WMV video file format in the mid-2000s.
The original WMV was designed exclusively for streaming applications. However, alternative WMV formats, reminiscent of WMV Screen and WMV Image, have been released for use with specialized video content.
Both AVI and WMV produce less compression than other competing formats, which means they provide better video quality. In contrast, they are large files.
Other benefits of AVI and WMV include its wide compatibility with PC and Mac operating systems. Among the disadvantages we can mention the impossibility of manually selecting the proportions of the rates, which can be quite bad for some users.
2. MOV and QT (Quicktime formats)
Like Microsoft’s AVI and WMV formats, Apple’s MOV and QT formats are compatible with both Apple and Microsoft platforms. The MOV has been specifically designed for feature films. Both MOV and QT are famous for supporting a wide variety of video content. These two video extensions are usually kept together.
Both formats use a multimedia container file, which is separated into a range of tracks. Users can dedicate all tracks to storing specific information (video, audio, effects and / or text). Another important advantage is that MOV and QT formats are also compatible with a large selection of codecs.
3. MKV
Derived from the Russian word matroska (doll), MKV is an extremely popular video file format for many reasons. First, it is open source. Second, it offers a multitude of additional features. And last but not least, it is compatible with almost all codecs.
The main disadvantage of the MKV format is that it is not compatible with certain programs and devices. But, if you are watching or distributing your video files in VLC, XBMC, PotPlayer or other MKV compatible video player, the high quality and versatility of this format make it an ideal choice.
4. MP4
Popularized by Apple on the iTunes Store, the MP4 is probably the closest to a universal standard. It not only stores video and audio files, but also text and still images. With a small file size and good quality, this format allows you to add interactive video and multimedia components.
Although this format offers less definition and fewer options than the MKV format, it is widely compatible with a range of the most prominent digital devices on the market.
5. AVCHD (advanced high definition video encoding)
The result of a collaboration between Panasonic and Sony, this video file format was expressly designed for digital video cameras. AVCHD takes advantage of H.264 / MPEG-4 video compression technology, which can compress video information into extraordinarily small sizes.
Perfect for people who record using their own video equipment, this format allows you to store hours of recording, using very little space, without sacrificing quality considerably. AVCHD is a standard definition and high definition variations. The latest edition of this format (AVCHD 2.0) supports 3D video.
6. FLV and SWF (Flash formats)
Flash Video has been around for a long time and is divided into two different formats. The first format (FLV) is very popular for streaming video on sites like YouTube and Google Video. FLV files are generally small and can be downloaded quickly.
SWF is the second dominant Flash format for displaying animated vector graphics online (an acronym for Shockwave Flash). It can be viewed as a Flash animation file.
Although Flash formats are famous for involving streaming video on the web, they are not compatible with iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads, which can cause major problems for Apple users.
7. RealVideo
Developed specifically for the Internet, this video format was developed by RealNetworks. The most striking feature of this format is that it works perfectly on low-bandwidth transmissions, but the video quality is compromised.
To view files in this format, you will need to install additional software. Therefore, when you decide to save and share your videos in a specific file format, choose the formats that can be played on multiple platforms.
