codec difference question...

[mcmse1]

Can someone briefly explain to me the differences of the following formats and what programs you might use to encode to them?

1. MP4
2. DIVX 5.1.1
3. XVID
4. MPEG4 SP
5. Advanced SP
6. MPEG4-2
7. MPEG4-10 (h.264)

I think they are all MPEG-4 based but I don't understand what distinguishes one from another. I've done video comparisons between DIVX and XVID and I'm hard pressed to find any differences between the two. I have no idea what MP4, MPEG4 SP, Advanced SP, MPEG4-2 and MPEG4-10 are.

I'm also curious to see which one of the seven formats you prefer and why.

Thanks
-Dan

[tkamin]

as far as i know different codecs = different mathmetical algrorithms for shirnking pictures (frames)
i personally prefer Xvid just because it's usually good quality but EVERYTHING depends on the source video and the settings that were chosen (resolution etc.)

[Suntan]

MP4 refers to the reference container (although nobody seems to use it as .AVI, .OGM and .MKV are pretty much the standard for standalones so far)

Divx 5.1.1 is currently the latest rev of Divx (an MPEG4 video codec)

Xvid 1.0.1 is currently the latest rev compiled by Koepi (which is more or less considered the default, although other people offer compiles and you can compile new builds from the source that is released every night) also an MPEG4 video codec

MPEG4 SP stands for MPEG4 Simple Profile, it is a standard (Max 720x480 res, no bframes, GMC, Qpel, etc. I think but don't quote me) if you encode to MPEG4 SP specs then your video will play in all MPEG4 SP settop boxes.

Advanced SP is Advance Simple Profile (can use bframes and other things, but again don't quote me)

MPEG4-2 overall spec that calls out SP and ASP etc. Currently what all of the MPEG4 codecs are more or less encoding

MPEG4-10 (better known as H264) the upcoming spec that is still under the MPEG4 standard, but uses different techniques for compression. Currently there are a number of private companies as well as a few opensource groups developing h264 codecs, but most of them are still in early stage.

Search the forums at Doom9.org and you will find a lot of info about these.

I prefer Xvid as well. I am waiting to see what the various H264 codecs can do, however they are not ready for mainstream use yet.

-Suntan

[mcmse1]

Suntan, thanks for the reply. Your response was helpful and has answered my question.

-Dan