You may have encountered video codecs before when you try to play
different videos on your computer or mobile device application. It is actually
part of the bigger idea of decoding. In this article, you will learn about what
video codecs are and where it is used in the process of transcoding and
streaming. You will also find out more about the functionality of video codecs,
h264 vs h265 codecs, and some other key terms that are used in the world of
video coding and storage.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Video
Codecs
Video Codec definition
In its simplest sense, a video codec is software or hardware that is
used to compress and decompress your digital video. You may have seen media
players that utilize video codecs for the decompression of videos. Different
apps benefit from video codecs in broadcasting. Since video codecs refer to the
coding and decoding of data, you will be relying on this technology as a
solution to the management of your data. Usually, your digital video should adapt to
the standard coding format available. These standards may be h264 vs h265 as well as
loss and lossless video compression formats.
Video Codec for video streaming
You also see video codecs in video streaming. You need video codecs to
encode and decode digital data during streaming. You can use video codecs in
the production, editing, and post-production of your videos. In line with this,
you must consider all your streaming equipment needs. You should also set your
streaming requirements in terms of budget, bandwidth, and quality of videos. You
have to keep in mind that recording your video using a camera will take up a
large chunk of space. You will also be utilizing the technology of video codecs
to save all your video files optimally.
Video codec software and hardware concerns
When you are in the industry of making videos, you have to put a lot
of thought into the type of video codec to use. You have to recognize that
cameras may produce either lossless or lossy video codecs. The capture codec
that your camera uses will determine the editing codec for video editing. It
also affects the deliverable codec. There are a variety of codecs that you can
use. This includes MPEG-2, ProRes, and the like. The type of video codec to
implement may be a matter of preference as well as the equipment you will use.
Video codecs commonly used
In recent years, two video compression standards have stood out.
These are the H.264 and the H.265 video codecs. Both have their advantages and
disadvantages. These codecs can provide high-quality videos, as high as 1080p
resolution. Both also have great support across different platforms and
devices. Since H.264 has been around for a long time, you can choose this video codec for old
systems. H.265, on the other hand, has better compression efficiency and
provides greater support for bandwidth usage.
Conclusion
With the knowledge that you now have about video codecs, you can
make an informed decision on choosing one for your tasks and projects. Devices
and systems play a major role when choosing between h264 vs h265 video codecs. Storage is also one
of the main considerations when you are using video codecs. You can reduce the
file size of videos and still maintain the quality of videos. When picking the
right video codec to use, you must consider the list above. This article has
provided some of the best insights about video codecs. It is now time to
maximize video compression formats depending on your needs.
