Recording Video and Audio

Defining File Types and Codecs

• MPEG-2: An advanced format for encoding standard definition (SD)and HD video at a higher bit rate. Paved the way for VHS replacement to DVDs.

• MPEG -4:Compression and encoding high- definition audio and video signal. Most likely, the video you shoot from your smartphone, watch on Blu-ray, stream for Netflix or Hulu, etc. is encoded in a format prescribed by ubiquitous MPEG-4.

• h.264:Advanced video coding format which is part 10 of MPEG-4.

• MOV: Video file is a common multimedia format for saving movies and other video files.

• WAV: Raw uncompressed PCM audio streams. Only the container or wrapper is modified instead of the enclosed bit streams.

• MP3:Or MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, One of the most widely known audio codecs in the world. First digital format designed for encoding and storing music digitally on a portable audio player.

• AAC: Advanced audio coding with MPEG-2. A format that extended the stereo capabilities of MP3 to multi-channel surround sound.

What is the difference in container format and compression codec?

A container or wrapper file is used for bundling and storing the raw digital bitstreams that codec creates. Each codec performs a single encoding/decoding function, while a container format can support multiple codecs.

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