Video codecs, video formats – what does this all mean?
What is video codec and video format?
If you are puzzled by the endless list of export options in your video editing software, this article is for you. Let’s first look at the definition of a codec. Then we will look at the concept of video format and then we will look at some of the most common codecs and their uses.
If you are recording or editing a video, you will almost immediately come across the term “codec”. Since there are so many and it’s hard to tell them apart, I’ve made a quick overview to help you get started. Once you understand certain terms, you can better decide which one suits your needs. Let’s start with a simple definition.
The video codec.
A codec is actually a combination of two words: an encoder and a decoder (co / dec). What are they doing? Bottom line, because video files are so large, you need a way to make them smaller. The codec encodes, compresses the data to store or send it, and then decompresses it for playback or editing.
A codec is a computer code that performs its function each time the software calls a file. Codecs can also be used on physical equipment, such as a camera, to digitize incoming video and audio.
This happens in real time, either at the point of capture or at the point of playback. However, if you are not a broadcast engineer, you must rely on your computer or device to select the codec. Hardware compresses your video and audio data for viewing, streaming, or storage.
The video format is.
The file format is similar to a container. The container contains data that has been compressed using a specific codec. And sometimes they have the same name.
For example, a file format such as Windows Media Audio contains data that is compressed using the Windows Media Audio codec. However, a file format such as Audio Video Interleaved (AVI) can contain data compressed with any of several different codecs, including MPEG-2, DivX, or XviD codecs.
AVI files can also contain data that is not compressed by any codec. Therefore, depending on the codecs installed on your system, some AVI files will play fine, while other AVI files, despite the same file extension, will not play.
It also affects the audio. Often there is a situation where when playing a video, the sound plays, but the video does not. This means that the appropriate video codec is installed on your device.
Terms display – video format
How do I determine the video format and video codec used?
Unfortunately, the tools built into Windows do not allow you to find detailed information about a video file.
What is the smallest video format?
Currently, the HEVC or H.265 codec is one of the most efficient available on the market and is commonly used to compress 8K UHD video. However, the use of the codec requires the payment of a license fee, so it is not widely supported or widely supported by different devices or browsers. For the Internet, the .WEBM format and the corresponding VP8 / VP9 codec are used. This package is widely supported and popular for reducing the size of video files.
However, it is important to consider factors other than size: where the files will be played and the required video quality.
