Video Formats : Part 2

When planning a video project, the desired end result must take into consideration the video formats available today. Here is Part 2 of video formats.

MOV

The QuickTime (.mov) video format is a multimedia container file. The .mov can contain one or more tracks, with each track storing a different type of data: audio, video, effects, or text (e.g. for subtitles).

A digitally-encoded media stream (using a specific codec) is part of the contents of the file, and a data reference to the media stream located in another file may be included as well.

QuickTime is great for video editing for the following reasons: it can contain abstract data references for the media data; it separates the media data from the media offsets; and the track edit lists; and the capability to import and edit in place without data copying.

MPEG

The MPEG video format needs an encoder that is more complicated then the decoder. The decoder only carries out fixed actions while the encoder needs to be algorithmic or adaptive. MPEG took a novel approach to standardization, making the decoder standard instead of the encoder. If the decoder can successfully interpret the bit stream, it is considered compliant.

Standardizing the decoder has the advantage, since, over time, the algorithms may improve for the encoder, but the decoder will still be able to function. There is very little information regarding structure and operation provided by the MPEG standards for encoders.

Implementers can use proprietary algorithms to develop an encoder. This gives opportunity for different encoder designs; this also means there can be all the benefits of a competitive market. Better designs can evolve, giving users more choices. Different levels of cost and complexity to be found in encoders will not impact the ability of the decoder to interpret the bit stream.

I hope that these latest posts helped with some understanding of the various video formats available.