Concept in Definition ABC

It is perhaps the most popular video codec but why?

Born with the network and for her

The history of MPEG-4 is parallel to the great explosion of the Internet among end users and companies, born to solve the need for a system of storage and video transmission that would allow a good quality as well as high compression.

MPEG-4 has been standardized by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), an international group tasked with setting standards for various application areas.

Although ideal for use in web content, MPEG-4 is also valid for distribution through physical media such as CDs or DVDs.

Technically

MPEG-4 drinks from the sources of MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, two formats used in applications such as Video CD (MPEG-1), or commercial DVD (MPEG-2). Based on these MPEG-1 and 2 formats, MPEG-4 adds new features to them, dividing the Format in up to 28 parts, of which I tell you the most important:

• MPEG-4 Part 1: Describes multiplexing and synchronization of audio and video.
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• Part 2: Consists of a compression format for visual data such as video and images.


• Part 3: is the coding of the audio.


• Part 4: this describes the procedures for testing in accordance with other parts of the standard.


• Part 6: interface between layer transport and the application.


• Part 8: this specifies the method to transport MPEG-4 content through IP networks such as the Internet.


• Part 10: Video compression format technically identical to the ITU-T H.264 standard.


• Part 11: defines interactive content.


• Part 12: content in real time.


• Part 13: management of intellectual property and digital rights of content.


• Part 15: for video storage.


• Part 17: Subtitle.


• Part 21- Specifications to allow and facilitate the creation of interactive applications.

Why is it so popular?

With the explosion of the Internet among consumers, the uses that have been given to the network for distribution audiovisual content has not always been so in line with the bandwidth available by the users.

Thus, for example, cable has been gradually distributed, and there are still many Internet users who do not have cable coverage in their homes, having many times to settle for an ADSL from velocity medium or even low.

It is in these cases where a video file that takes up little space and, therefore, uses little bandwidth and is fast to transfer, while losing the minimum in quality, is appreciated. And since MPEG-4 files meet both requirements, their popularity has been on the rise.

What do I need to enjoy it?

If it is a file at our computer, simply a player program that supports it. Currently, most like Windows Media Player, DivX, QuickTime or VLC already do it.

Recording devices such as cameras or smartphonesThey already use it by default, but you have to make sure in the user manual if they support it and how to configure them to record directly in that format.

Finally, as for the reproductive devices, the vast majority also support it, but it is better to make sure before purchasing them.

Photos: iStock - iMrSquid / mikkelwilliam

Topics in MPEG-4