Is there really such a thing as "standard mpeg 4 video"?

[yoda313]

Ok I've seen a lot of these tiny mpeg4 camcorders for sale at target and drug stores and the like. They either use internal memory or memory sticks. They say they record in "standard mpeg 4 video". What the hell is that? I mean that has got to be one of the most unintelligible statement a company could make. Its like saying I "drive a car" when the person was actually asking for the make, model and year. It means absolutely nothing to me.

Aren't there about a bazillion mpeg 4 formats these days? I mean you can even use wmv and mov as mpeg 4 since they are containers instead of true formats right? I mean if it said "divx" or "xvid" compatible than I would be much more informed about the recording quality of these portable camcorders.

I'm not likely to ever buy a strict "mpeg4" camcorder but I mean that is a rather weak description. Is it likely that any "mpeg4" camcorder would record in 640x480? Or is it more likely 320x240? A lot of these I see don't even tell you what resolution they record in. I guess for a camcorder under a 100.00 you should expect sub standard quality.

Does anybody else get miffed at these crazy terms companies use to sell stuff to uneducated users?

[classfour]

Some are more like 192X136 or something like that - it depends on the output screen size, a 1.5 to 1.8 inch screen doesn't require much in the way of resolution. My experience with Chinese mp4 players to date indicates differences between every one that I've had my hands on.

[edDV]

They should state "editing may require user assembly - tools not provided".

[redwudz]

yoda313, you've hit on one of my 'pet peeves' about advertised specifications, especially for video devices. I see the generic 'MP-4' designation all too often. It takes a bit of digging to even determine what the format is, if you can even figure it out then. Still cameras, MJPEG or MOV?
Video, H264 or Xvid or ?. Most times I try to find a on-line review and see if they actually tell you what the format is.

I don't know if the advertisers are just not knowledgeable about video specifications, or they are trying to deliberately confuse people, or just think no one can understand all this? But the other specifications are usually detailed.

[yoda313]

@classfour - actually I am referring to mpeg4 camcorders, not players.

@redwudz - yeah it is irritating that these less expensive devices don't offer the same upfront detail that a 200.00 camera/camcorder would offer. It just seems like laziness to me.

Though truth be told they might be using an ad firm that has no clue what digital technology is all about. They just think if it its digital people will buy it. That is probably what we are dealing with here.

[PuzZLeR]

I don't know if the advertisers are just not knowledgeable about video specifications, or they are trying to deliberately confuse people, or just think no one can understand all this? But the other specifications are usually detailed.

This is where I believe is the reason why - a combination of them.

Here's the deal and the opportunity: Just try and explain to Average Joe Consumer the differences between MP4 and MPEG-4. And the differences between Part 2/10/14. And the fact that ISO MPEG-4 is not DivX/Xvid. And the fact that an AVC item that also supports H.264 does not have an extra feature.

What a Golden Opportunity to twist things to advantage! The opportunity to move products among the chaos is huge.

And now that the masses have accepted "MP3", the manufacturers can represent the terms "MP4" and "MPEG-4", and even "MP-4" to make it whatever they want it to be to leverage off the success of the MP3 even if they are just as clueless as the consumer themselves.

Even the term "standard" can be manipulated. It can be a common acceptance of a group, or a machine's specs or based on wide acceptance. Another opportunity.

In between the OSS apps and the high priced professional solutions is a nightmare of marketing propaganda among consumer-ware.