Video Encoding

[Baldrick]

The process for changing a video from one format to another by altering the resolution and/or the bitrate. Normally the result of this process is a movie with a different compression. For a proper encoding you need a piece of software and/or hardware, which is called codec.

[kspv]

What are 8 bit, 9 bit, 10 bit, and 12 bit video converters employed in hardware DVD players? I have found an article on the web which says that a 10 bit video converter gives 4 times the clarity of an 8 bit converter. Is this true? If so, where do 12 bit video converters fit in? Given a choice between a DVD player having 10 bit video converter, and another having 12 bit video converter, which is likely to give better picture clarity? If higher bit rate gives better video performance, then why is everybody not following the same format?

I am confused. Please clarify. :?