wmv VS H264 for YouTube? Also, dimentions.

[vid83]

I have last questions before uploading to YouTube.

Question 1:
I have a last question about YouTube.
What format do you suggest for YouTube? H264 or wmv?
I've tried both formats and both looked the same on YouTube in normal and high quality.
To future proof my videos (if YouTube does anything in the future on their end), which format would be better to upload?

Question 2:
My source video is miniDV NTSC 720x480 widescreen mode.
YouTube's suggestion is 640x360 for 16:9.
Are there any benefits in encoding to a larger dimension 16:9 video (larger than 640x360 but smaller than 1280x720) before uploading to YouTube?

[minidv2dvd]

1) yt recommends h264 mp4 w/ aac audio. works for me.

2) not if you are already getting a watch in HQ link. the next step would be to shoot for a HD link - 720p video or bigger.

[vid83]

I was on YouTube's new recommendation page and they recommend H264, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4.

Now let's say I want to use H264. I am confused about this. I am using SUPER. Under .avi, you can choose H264 as a codec. You can also choose H264 as a codec under mp4. You can also choose H264 under MOV.

Let's say I want to use MPEG-4. Under .avi, you can choose MPEG-4 as a codec. You can also choose MPEG-4 as a codec under mp4.

Which H264 or which MPEG-4 is the one YouTube is wanting: avi or mp4?
Also what type of H264 profile do I use: baseline (CABAC off) or main (CABAC on)?

[minidv2dvd]

mp4

main

[vid83]

Which is better quality?: H264 or wmv?

[webvideopro]

Everything else being the same H.264 is better. You can check out my guide for encoding for YouTube High Quality at http://webvideotechniques.com/35/how-to-encode-your-videos-for-youtubes-new-high-quality-option

I would not recommend upscaling your videos, but you could insert your video at 640x360 into a 1280x720 project with a black background. You would have black borders around your video, but you would get the HD option.

[minidv2dvd]

upscaling DVavi to 720p works just dandy, don't bother with bad looking black borders.