what is the best codec and extension for the future ?

[filipdebie]

Everywhere we can read the AVC/H264 is the video standard for the future.( And I must admit that I have very good results wiht x264)
But there are several extensions for the video's made with this standard.
- Virtualdub with de X264 codex makes an AVI file
- Nero recode makes a MP4 file
- Quicktime makes a MOV file
- Mainconcept and Cyberlink make a MPEG file
...

When I now want to make a video for my archive in the future, what codec and extension should I take ?
With other words : which videos (codecs) will the future standalone DVD players play ?

[guns1inger]

How far into the future do you want me to look in my crystal ball ?

I was reading a review today of a player capable of playing back regular DVDs, as well as DVDs with Nero Digital, mpeg 1/2/4 (including Divx/Xvid), WMV9, quicktime with mpeg4 and HD video up to 1080i. About the only thing it doesn't play back is Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.

I would be guessing pretty much anything current will be playable for many years to come, so pick the format that does the least damage to the source so you can convert later on if you need to.

[celtic_druid]

AVC would be a fairly safe bet, but please don't put it in avi or mov. I'd go with mp4.

Also x264's VfW GUI (as used by VDub) hasn't (on purpose) been updated in quite awhile so you will find that the cli encoder has a few more options and is therefor capable of better quality.