Formats and codecs for conversion.
Since it is impossible to capture the immensity, we will touch only the most widespread and demanded multimedia formats, codecs, we will give a brief description and an explanation in which cases they are the most used.
In the description, we will also present a list of programs that are somehow related to this format. We will not give links, you can find all programs on the site.
Video standards
MPEG -1
MPEG -1 is a standard adopted by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) video experts. Currently, MPEG-1 video is used on video CDs (VCD quality is closest to that of VHS video cassettes).
Initially, the use of MPEG -1 video is limited to a bit rate of 1.5 Megabits / s and a resolution of 352 × 240. However, this standard allows you to use any resolution up to 4095 × 4095.
MPEG -2
The MPEG-2 standard is used to convert video and audio for broadcast, including satellite broadcasting and cable television. It has strict restrictions on resolution (no more than 720 × 576), frame rate (25 fps and 29.97 fps), bit rate, etc.
MPEG -3
An audio and video coding standard for high definition television (HDTW) with data rates ranging from 20 to 40 Mbps. Work on MPEG-3 was discontinued after the modification of MPEG-2 (when the MPEG-2 standard 2 was no worse than MPEG-3 in coping with video processing).
Do not confuse MPEG-3 with the MP3 music format (MPEG-1 Part 3 Layer 3 / MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3).
MPEG -4
MPEG -4 is used to compress digital video and audio. Designed for Internet transmission (video transmission, video telephony), encoding and recording of movies on CD, (videophone) and transmission.
Video codecs
DivX (digital video express)
The most popular video codec for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X platforms, used to compress most movies today. Compression allows you to fit an hour and a half of video material onto 1 or 2 CDs. It is distributed in two versions: DivX and DivX Pro. DivX is free (AdWare), you can use it without restrictions, the second is paid. The “Pro” prefix costs $ 19.99 along with additional package features and benefits over the free version. That:
– Better compression (about 25%) for video,
– Support for GMC (Global Motion Compensation) technology, which improves video quality and slightly improves compression ratio,
– DivX Pro provides full support for bidirectional encoding (B frames),
– Includes additional tools for video encoding.
Xvid
MPEG-4 Video Conversion Library, licensed under the GNU General Public License. Unlike the DivX codec, which was released for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X platforms only, Xvid is a cross-platform product (used on all platforms and operating systems for which the codec source code can be compiled).
As you can see, the codec name is DivX “flip”. In practice, Xvid is the alternative to DivX. The codec is characterized by fast operating speed and acceptable image quality. Configurable both through third-party programs and through its own configuration window.
Windows Media Video
An encoding system developed by Microsoft. Included with Windows Media Multimedia Pack. It exists in several versions: Microsoft MPEG-4 Video Codec, Windows Media Video 9, etc. Although WMW video cannot compete with DivX, it is actively used in the development of multimedia and game applications for the Windows platform.
Programs to work with WMV
The Windows Media Encoder is a codec and a container for the encoder.
Windows Media Video 9 VCM – Similar to above, but does not include a graphical shell.
Indeo links
Intel initially developed the Ligos Indeo codec, but was later taken over by Ligos for review. Now the codec allows you to watch videos at different bit rates respectively with adaptive quality. Ligos Indeo supports the MMX processor instruction (although DivX has many more supported instructions).
Programs to work with Ligos Indeo
Intel Codec Installer: Offers the codec named I263, which makes it possible to play back electronic cards and videos in Ligos Indeo format.
The Intel JPEG Library Video Codec (ijlvid) is a dedicated driver based on the Intel JPEG Library that supports RGB24 decompression and RGB24 and YUY2 compression.
Intel Music Coder: Thanks to this package, you can listen to AVI video with IMC encoded sound.
