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No codecs, no video streaming!
Yes that’s how important codecs are in the world of streaming media. Codecs are the technological factors that impact video and audio streaming quality. It is a process that compresses and decompresses large amount of data. All stages in online video production and distribution involve codecs.
Video files are some of the most diverse types of computer files, because of the wide variety of ways they can be processed and saved. A bunch of video codecs, formats and containers are available today. Each one helps optimize and provide improvement in video quality, file size and playback compatibility.
With video dominating the digital landscape by taking up more than 80% of the internet traffic, it becomes essential to make video streaming more efficient and cost optimised. This can be ensured by choosing the right set of codecs and containers for your video requirements.
In this comprehensive guide, we will define and deep-dive into different video formats, codecs, and containers and how it is useful for your purpose.
The term “codec” is an abbreviation of the words coder-decoder or compression-decompression. A video codec is a software or hardware component responsible for encoding and decoding digital video files. In simpler terms, it's a technology that compresses video data for efficient storage and transmission, and then decompresses it for playback. Codecs are essential for various applications, including streaming video, video conferencing, video editing, and more.
Codecs come in two distinct categories: lossless and lossy, each with unique characteristics and tailored to specific needs. Let's dive deeper into these two categories:
A lossless codec is a type of coding mechanism that compresses data without losing any quality. It retains all the information found in the original file before compression. As per its name, the process maintains the integrity of the data during compression.
With lossless codecs, it's possible to perfectly reconstruct the original data from the compressed version. This ensures that the audio or video quality remains quite similar to original. Lossless codecs are considered in scenarios where preserving high-quality data is important, particularly in professional audio and video editing applications.
While lossless codecs excel in data preservation, they tend to provide less compression compared to their lossy counterparts, resulting in larger file sizes. Nevertheless, they offer superior quality, which proves essential in specific use cases.
Unlike lossless codecs, which keep everything intact, lossy codecs work in a different way. They use a method that gets rid of some data that's not very important for the overall audio or video quality.
The main goal of lossy compression is to make files smaller. People often use this type of codec when it's okay to have a little drop in video quality.
You can find lossy codecs in a lot of streaming media, like web conferencing and applications like Skype. While you might lose a bit of quality with a smaller file size, it makes it much easier to share files online and store them on different devices.
After the compression process, the various elements of a video stream are bundled together into what we call a "wrapper" or a file format. These files hold important components like the audio codec, video codec, closed captioning, and any extra information about the video. Some common container formats you might come across are .mp4, .mov, .ts, and .wmv.
One interesting thing about containers is that they can handle different types of codecs. However, it's essential to note that not all playback devices or platforms can work with all containers and codecs. This is why it's important to use a multi-format encoding approach when you want to stream your video to a wide variety of devices.
For instance, let's take a .mov file and a .wmv file that contain the same data and codecs. The .mov file (QuickTime Movie) is best for playing on a MacBook’s QuickTime player, while the .wmv file (Windows Media Viewer) is more suitable for playback on a PC's Windows Media Player. Different devices prefer different wrappers, even if the content inside is the same.
The distinction between containers and codecs can be a bit confusing, as they each serve crucial roles in creating and handling video files. It's not uncommon for people to mistake them for being the same thing, given their importance in the world of videos. However, they are not synonymous.
In a nutshell, codecs are responsible for the quality and size of your audio and video, while container formats are the packages that hold it all together. To ensure compatibility and good quality, it's essential to choose the right codec and container format for your specific needs, whether it's high-quality video editing or smooth online streaming.
H.264 is a widely used video codec for web streaming, offering an excellent balance between quality and file size. It is supported by most devices and platforms, making it an ideal choice for online streaming and video sharing.
HEVC, also known as H.265, is a newer video codec that offers improved compression efficiency compared to H.264. It provides better video quality at lower bitrates, making it suitable for 4K and high-definition video content.
VP9 is an open-source video codec developed by Google. It offers good compression without compromising quality and is commonly used for streaming high-quality video on platforms like YouTube.
Commonly used for DVDs and cable TV broadcasts.
AV1 is another open-source video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media. It provides excellent compression and video quality, making it a promising option for the future.
When it comes to creating and sharing video content, choosing the right combination of video format, codec, and container is crucial. Consider the following factors:
The answer depends on your specific use case and goals. Codecs like H.265 (HEVC) and AV1 are known for their high-quality compression, making them suitable for 4K and HDR content. However, the "best" codec depends on factors like compatibility, processing power, and licensing considerations.
Some codecs, like H.264 (AVC), may have associated licensing fees, while others, like VP9 and AV1, are royalty-free. Container formats typically do not have licensing fees. It's essential to consider these costs when making your selection.
Select codecs and containers based on the platforms and devices you intend to support. H.264 is widely compatible, while newer codecs like AV1 may provide better quality and efficient compression but require more processing power.
Popular codecs support multiple audio and subtitle tracks. Container formats like MKV and MP4 can handle multiple languages and subtitles effectively.
Conversion typically requires video transcoding tool or software, which can change both the codec and container format. Tools like FFmpeg or video editing software can assist in this process.
To future-proof content, consider open and widely supported codecs and containers. Formats like AV1 and MKV, which are not tied to proprietary technologies, are good choices to ensure compatibility as technology evolves. Additionally, stay informed about industry developments to adapt your strategy over time.
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