[Basic knowledge of video]
An easy-to-understand explanation of the differences between file formats and codecs!
Differences between video file formats and codecs
In this article, I will explain the difference between “file format” and video “codec” in an easy to understand way.
First of all, I don’t understand the meaning of “file format” and “codec”
Even such people can understand it without much thought.
To conclude first
File format (.mov / .mp4, etc.) → Video container
Codec (H264 / AIC, etc.) → Video compression method
It makes a big difference.
To summarize briefly, the codec is the method of compressing the file format.
There are many video file formats and codecs.
Even if the file format is the same, if the codec used is different, it may not be playable depending on the environment. Therefore, knowing these differences and types will be helpful when making or playing videos.
Come on ~
Table of Contents
Understand the file structure of videos
Featuring three main file formats
Quick time (.mov)
Windows Media Video (.wmv)
MP4 (.mp4)
Differences between file formats and codecs
resume
Understand the file structure of videos
First, let’s take a quick look at the structure of video files!
The file format of the video can be recognized by the “extension” when the video is placed on the desktop.
mov screenshot
By the way, this is a video file in “.mov” format.
There are several types of file formats (video containers), but the content is the same.
Video file structure
Video file structure Content
file format There are various formats such as “.mov”, “.mp4”, “.wmv” and “.avi” in terms of extension. Some file formats cannot be played depending on the type of terminal or PC.
Video data The visual part of the video file. Without this, the image will not be displayed on the screen. Due to the large volume of video data, it is almost always compressed.
Audio data Sound data. Without this, there will be no sound. Although the capacity is small compared to video data, it is often compressed as well.
Metadata Text data such as copyright information and shooting date and time.
Featuring three main file formats
I mentioned earlier that there are several types of “file formats” for videos.
If you know everything, you will lose motivation, which is why I will introduce three main video file formats.
Quick time (.mov)
It is a video file format created by Apple Inc. called Quick Time Movie.
You can play it with QuickTime Player on Mac or iTunes.
To play on Windows, you need to install the Windows version of QuickTime Player (free).
Orally, it is called a “mob file” or “M point or buoy”.
Windows Media Video (.wmv)
This is a video file created in Microsoft’s “Windows Media” format.
It can be played with Windows Media Player on Windows.
If you want to play it on Mac, you need to download a media player like LVC.
Taken by mouth, it is called “Double MV”.
MP4 (.mp4)
You have probably heard more about video files.
The reading is “MP4”.
This is the most widely used format.
You can play it with QuickTime Player on Mac, iTunes, and Windows Media Player on Windows.
It is also compatible with many mobile terminals.
