Cinemasphyxia.com - Switching to MP4
Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 2:58 am
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.
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.