Cinemasphyxia.com - Switching to MP4

[Nyghtfall]

An unresolved issue with my video editor has left me unable to save videos in WMV format anymore, and forced me to consider switching formats for the first time since 2006, when I switched from MPEG-1 to WMV. On the plus side, my problem may be a blessing in disguise.

After comparing different formats, looking for one that will offer the best video quality while maintaining relatively small file sizes, I believe MP4 will be the best solution going forward. Here's a list of pros and cons:

Pros:

* My editor has an option that will actually double the video quality over the WMV format I've been using, hence the blessing in disguise.

* I can render MP4 in a fraction of the time it takes to render WMV.

* It can be streamed for real-time playback online.

Cons:

* I can't add meta data to clips to identify their source during playback beyond whatever file name you or I give them, which means I'll be going back to adding a watermark to the first few seconds every clip.

Despite the one drawback, I'm looking forward to switching. The improved video quality alone makes doing so a no-brainer.

BTW - I experimented with Windows Movie Maker yesterday afternoon. It is not an option. That interface is atrocious!

With that in mind, updates for last week and this week will be posted Sunday night, using the new format. And, yes, I will be upgrading all of my clips to MP4 as well, over time (grin).

As always, feedback is welcome and encouraged.

[Den-CnB]

I am slowly moving to MP4 for the same reasons. I have posted several MP4 videos and with many in reserve. The MP4 appears to me to be the best presentation of a video, at least at this time.

Dennis

[xj900uk]

Thanx for the update, Nyghtfall. Much appreciated look forward to seeing stuff in the new format - will it be better and clearer?

[Nyghtfall]

The MP4 appears to me to be the best presentation of a video, at least at this time.

From what I've read, it's the industry standard for video encoding and playback across multiple platforms and devices. In fact, I just discovered that the MP4 option I'll be using will work on iPods. :)

will it be better and clearer?

Based on tests I've run, absolutely.

[Egeek]

I am slowly moving to MP4 for the same reasons. I have posted several MP4 videos and with many in reserve. The MP4 appears to me to be the best presentation of a video, at least at this time.

Dennis

I mostly convert my stuff into mp4 mostly just to add them on my ipod. plus its a nice compression to save space.

[xj900uk]

Based on tests I've run, absolutely.

OK thanks Nyghtfall. FIngers crossed

[wind1490]

We had to use mp4 for Amazon S3. We still use wmv and mp4, but mp4 only for amazon.