video codec

A video codec is used to compress and decode videos. In this process, software converts an unprocessed video stream into usable video files. The codec is also used to decode the video for editing and playback. Through these operations, it is possible to create, upload and deliver professional videos.

video codec | Glossary | wyder

What is a video codec?

Shooting videos is possible with many devices these days. Whether with a camera, camcorder or smartphone: the amount of data is significantly larger than with simple images or music data. Accordingly, the video data for storage or for uploading to video platforms must be reduced again in packs without loss. Compression is possible using a video codec.

This is an algorithm needed to encode and decode digital video. The raw video stream captured by a camcorder or digital camera contains a large amount of information. These are filtered and sorted with the help of the video codec. The large amount of data is reduced without the quality of the video deteriorating in this process.

How does the procedure with video codec work?

In order to compress a video into the required video format, a compressed data stream is generated from the source code. The algorithm required for this allows the transmission of the data stream and the associated storage. However, in order for the video to be able to be played back on the television in the standard format, it is necessary to reverse the process and decode the video data again. The pair of algorithms used for both operations is the video codec. There are different codecs for the desired format. If they are different, they are not compatible with each other.

What video codecs are there?

Depending on the application and use, there are different codecs. For professional video formats or the standard for playback on a digital television, video codecs and tools are available that ensure the highest possible quality. This enables a high transmission rate. The rather small amount of data on mobile devices requires a different format and a different video codec. The codecs differ in terms of their strength, which can be aimed at recording itself or playback.

Formats such as MPEG and HEVC are common for lossless video playback on TV, DVD or Blu-Ray. MPEG-2 is the generic standard for video coding and compression. HEVC stands for “High Efficiency Video Coding” and is the advanced standard for encoding images and video content. It is also known as H.265.

Videos on the Internet, audio for the VLC Media Player or for uploading files to video platforms have the more suitable and highly efficient format MP4 or H.264. For low data rate playback on mobile devices, there are VP8 and H.263. As formats, they are optimized for low computing power and the limited amount of energy. In comparison, modern camcorders work with several codecs and already filter the information during recording.

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