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What's the Preferred Video Format?

As you undoubtedly know, I share a number of flying videos on this site in both Windows Media and Real Video formats.  Frankly, I'm tiring of spending the time to render both high- and low-bandwidth versions of each video in two formats (making four files for each video), so I'm considering using a single format for all videos - which brings me to my question:

Given a choice to download the following formats, which would you choose and why?

  • MPEG-4
  • WMV (v9)
  • Real (v10)

Some issues for consideration include:
Size. MPEG-1/2 files are simply too large compared to Real and WMV.  MPEG-4 files are slightly larger then WMV and Real, but not enough to be very significant.  While storage isn't an issue, bandwidth is (and I run my own server that does not sit on a backbone).

Quality. WMV and Real offer decent quality at a bitrate of ~250kbps.  Of course, lower bitrates of ~53kbps (to support modem users) drastically cut down the quality in any format, but WMV and Real offer at least enough information to pick out a runway while on final.  :)  MPEG-4 offers similar quality for only a slightly larger file (for instance, a sample 1 minute video is about 1.99MB in WMV and 2.02MB in MPEG-4 for similar bitrates).

Playback. Windows Media Player (WMP) is free and widespread on the most popular PC operating system.  Real Player is free and is bundled with many name brand computers.  There is a fairly wide range of players compatible with MPEG-4, though, including proprietary players (like Real and QuickTime [also free]) and "third-party" players.

Compatibility. WMV and Real are proprietary formats, but they are relatively "open" and encoders are freely available for both formats.  They also have the backing of some of the largest players (business-wise) in the computer industry.  MPEG-4 is a standard published by international standards bodies, but licensing issues have kept encoders/players out of the mainstream for several years.  However, that appears to be less of an issue now with a fairly wide availability (not necessarily distribution) of encoders and players.  While most users are likely running some flavor of Windows, there is a large number of non-Microsoft users (both in OS and software in general).  MPEG-4 would appear to be the cross-platform format of choice, but not unless there is a large enough market penetration of players.

Thanks for your input!

Published Thursday, January 26, 2006 9:25 PM by jtabor
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Comments

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I always select the WMV version because it doesn't have anoying prompts like Real Player does (i.e. prompting to upgrade, flashing in the system tray) nor does it run a process in the background which real player does (for automatic upgrading).  Plus, I think the quality appears to be better.  But heck, even if you decide on the Real format, I'm still happy, because I find your videos very educational (and entertaining) for my student pilot training.

Saturday, January 28, 2006 3:19 AM by jtabor

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I'd have to go with MPEG simply due to it's multiplatform compatibility.  

WMV is too tied to Windows, and causes problems for others who don't use said OS.   RealPlayer format is just plain annoying with all the required software.

Pretty much any decent media player will support the MPEG standard.  Other more proprietary formats do not enjoy such widespread player compatibility.

Sunday, January 29, 2006 4:27 PM by jtabor

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I consider Real Player a trojan.  WMV is fine.

Friday, February 24, 2006 3:46 AM by jtabor

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MPEG.

I use both Windows and Mac platforms, and I use all three of the formats you're considering.  When I view your videos, I have used Real because I think the quality is better (and I've tamed the spamming and pop-ups that Real sends our way).  But I see that you are now offering MPEG, and I will switch to using it.  I find Quicktime is much more stable than Real Player or WMV.

By far the biggest advantage to Quicktime/MPEG, however, is the ability to move forward and back in the video by moving the slider **and have the image displayed** or to play the video at double time by holding the >> button.  When you move around in WMV or Real, you do not get a real-time image until you return to regular play mode.

This ability (see where you're moving) is why I use Quicktime/MPEG whenever possible in general.  But for your videos it is an even bigger advantage -- if I want, I can skip forward to the landing, for example, with ease.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006 9:17 PM by jtabor

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One more comment:

How about offering the videos in a video podcast format?

It would be nice to have iTunes automatically look for new videos whenever I start it.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006 9:24 PM by jtabor

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Brian,

If you know how to do that (serve up podcasts) in dasBlog, let me know.

Saturday, March 25, 2006 3:53 PM by jtabor
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