Video Codecs Explained: The Encoded Picture Inside a Media File

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

1. 1

   Step 1: Identify the video codec

   0:18

   Check which codec was used to encode the picture.

   On-screen labels: Video stream; Codec name; Export settings.

2. 2

   Step 2: Identify the container

   0:30

   A container such as MP4 packages the encoded media streams.

   On-screen labels: Container format; Video stream; Other tracks.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check target playback support

   0:42

   The actual browser or player must support the chosen combination.

   On-screen labels: Target player; Supported combination; Working playback.

4. 4

   Step 4: Review the encoding settings

   0:54

   Resolution, frame rate and bitrate also affect the result.

   On-screen labels: Picture dimensions; Frame rate; Video bitrate.

5. 5

   Step 5: Inspect the exported picture

   1:06

   Watch text, detail and motion in the actual output.

   On-screen labels: Readable text; Useful detail; Clear motion.

6. 6

   Step 6: Test delivery as well

   1:18

   Review loading and playback through the intended website or host.

   On-screen labels: Actual host; Viewer connection; Playback result.

See it in a diagram

Read the diagram as text

1. Video codec: Encodes the picture data
2. Container: Packages the media streams
3. Player: Supports and plays the result

Inspect the delivered picture and motion. Check readable text, useful detail, playback and loading through the actual host.

A filename extension alone does not describe every stream or guarantee player support.

Diagram by Jersey Web. Open full size · Source and further detail (opens in a new tab)

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