

Even when the compression process is expertly calibrated and performed, it typically results in at least some loss of video quality.Ĭodecs, therefore, have a very tricky job. For this reason, video files are generally compressed to make them more manageable.Ĭompression isn’t always desirable, however. The majority of people would find that this is quite a substantial amount of hard drive space to devote to a single movie. So, if you want to import it into your computer, it will usually occupy somewhere between 30 to 50 gigabytes of total storage space. That Hollywood blockbuster you recently bought contains a lot of data. Take, for example, a typical Blu-Ray disc. In other words, it is altered so that it will take up less space on your computer. Most digital videos have been compressed. In order to understand codecs, you must first understand compression.

The very term “video format” tends to confuse people due to the fact that it really encompasses two distinct components: codecs and containers.Īlthough the video files available on the open market are typically defined by their container type, a brief discussion of codecs is absolutely essential if we are going to identify the optimum video formats for particular tasks and purposes. And to make matters even more complicated, a large number of these formats are now largely obsolete.įinally, you must realize that a video format is more than just its file extension. Secondly, video formats can create big problems because there are simply so many of them. And that’s why there’s no real “best video format” out there, rather best video formats for doing different things (which this post will help you figure out). This can create tremendous problems while attempting to input, output, upload, and download necessary files. The reasons for this are both numerous and varied.įirst and foremost, not every video format is compatible with every digital platform when it comes to production and playback. In the world of digital video production and distribution, few topics are more convoluted and confusing than choosing an appropriate video format.
