NEED your INPUT

[JohnM]

We are planning on changing over to MP4 format for various reasons and I made a test clip that I would like you to test out. It contains various scenes.

http://pkfstudios.com/video/format_test_mp4.mp4

It would be best if you right-click and download it to your hard-drive before you play it. If everyone streams it in there browser, it is taxing on my server.

Here is what I want you to check for:

1) PC Computability--make sure it plays on your system and whatever media player you like to use.
2) Quality. Make sure it looks as good or better then our current WMV format. Specifically look at effects scenes and outdoor footage. That is where you would notice the most lost in quality.
3) Size--let me know if the size (58MB) is appropriate for that length (1min 29sec) of mixed footage video of that quality and size---1280X720.


Now, here are some other notes to help you out. In 2007, I converted from Mpeg-1 to WMV. Many complained. But, at the time, it was a better format with a smoother look. People got over it and then WMV became the common choice. Since then, MP4 has been the extension that has proven to be the most compatible across many devices.
WMV is actually a container file for MPEG-4, but, I have found making an MP4 in a non-WMV format will increase the quality.

Here is the clip at the same resolution and compression in WMV format:
http://pkfstudios.com/video/format_test_wmv.wmv

Again, I would prefer you download it and play it on your own system.

Notice, especially when there is effects, outdoor content or rapid movement, there is often pixillation.

As far as file size, there will be a 5-15% (depending on content) increase.

And finally, this extension is more compatible with smartphones and tablets.


Thanks,
JohnM

[Egeek]

for me the mp4 format doesnt really bother me. I guess it does depend on how big you make the screen to watch thew clip. mp4 format is good for sticking clips onto like the ipod or saving space on your harddrive. Thats why I pretty much like the format. But I can only speak for myself. What do you prefer to use?

[crwarr]

john, i dwnlded both and the mp4 plays much clearer that the wmv. they are both good but i would prefer the mp4...crwarr

[JohnM]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I will start rendering out any new PKF movie in MP4.

Dirty Deeds, Robomeats, XXXtremecomiXXX, Morgues and Medical, will transition over the next few weeks as well.

Thanks,
JohnM

[Algenon5]

Seems I'm a little late to this discussion, but for what it's worth about a year ago I switched to h264 standard MP4 for all my Internet Archive uploads, for the reasons stated above. Since then MP4s have become the IA standard, replacing WMV, AVI, DIVX and MPEG2.

Al

[elsullo]

Superb playback on VLCMediaPlayer! Very clear images and perfectly smooth motion. Me happy. But unfortunately the tattoos and piercings and dreadlocks and shaved heads are even more hideous (just my opinion; rare to be asked for input! )...................elsullo

[JohnM]

Superb playback on VLCMediaPlayer! Very clear images and perfectly smooth motion. Me happy. But unfortunately the tattoos and piercings and dreadlocks and shaved heads are even more hideous (just my opinion; rare to be asked for input! )...................elsullo

Positive comment.....check.

Unsolicited negative comment that is happily self-serving for poster......check.

Facts: 2500 movies, 98% of models not covered with tattoos or have dreadlocks. Piercings usually removed.

Facts: 100% of models have earrings. Are earrings OK? If so, why are holes in earlobes any more natural then holes poked anywhere else?

Solution: Remove ears.

Problem solved.

:-)

JohnM

[elsullo]

Superb playback on VLCMediaPlayer! Very clear images and perfectly smooth motion. Me happy. But unfortunately the tattoos and piercings and dreadlocks and shaved heads are even more hideous (just my opinion; rare to be asked for input! )...................elsullo

Positive comment.....check.

Unsolicited negative comment that is happily self-serving for poster......check.

Facts: 2500 movies, 98% of models not covered with tattoos or have dreadlocks. Piercings usually removed.

Facts: 100% of models have earrings. Are earrings OK? If so, why are holes in earlobes any more natural then holes poked anywhere else?

Solution: Remove ears.

Problem solved.

:-)

JohnM

Cheeze, I wasn't expecting the SPANISH INQUISITION! I thought I was commenting on a disturbing trend in fetish videography. And I AM disturbed---I too live in Portland/Freakytown! Yet I still get creeped-out by women who vandalize their own flesh and hair in order to CONFORM to being noncomformist, etc etc, blah blah blah...................elsullo

[JohnM]

Naw, I was just musing late at night and you gave me a good jumping point.

You live in Portland. Awesome. I actually commute. I can't afford a house in the big city. Maybe someday.

Thanks,
JohnM

[Jerry]

I'm late to this discussion as well... The mp4 version looks better on my end. I see much more pixellation in the wmv version than the mp4 version (especially the first scene), and the mp4 version looks more crisp. I've never been a fan of wmv. I have also compared them by playing them at the same time. Using "Media Player Classic".

PS the body piles look like they would be fun to play with.