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What you need to know about encoding with digital video

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The following is what you need to know about encoding with digital video:

What encoding is: Encoding is the process of electronically "writing" information on magnetic stripes or smart card chips. It is a process where you compress media files for a specific purpose, create a specific file type, then write that file onto something, whether that is a CD, DVD, or tape of some kind.

Once you determine what your purpose for your file is, you can encode a file that is in analog form (such as a VHS tape) or one that is already digital.

So, basically encoding, by definition is the process of converting analog electronic signals into digital format for storage, manipulation, and display by a computer, or the process of converting digital signals into specific formats for those same reasons.

All current formats of encoding are PCM based. So, let's take a look at what that means.

PCM: Pulse-code modulation. This is a digital representation of an analog signal. In PCM the magnitude of the signal is sampled regularly then quantized to digital code.

PCM has been used for a while now, and has a standard for video, butstraight PCM is not typically used for video in consumer applications such as DVD or DVR because it requires too high a bit rate. So, instead it is compressed, unless you use a Blu-ray disc. The following are the compressed versions of PCM that are used, and their common uses.

  • CCIR 601. This is PCM based encoding that is typically used for broadcast stations, you generally will not find a consumer encoding their digital video into this format as the bit rate is too high, and the quality is not necessary. However, if you are broadcasting something, this is the encoding format of choice.
  • MPEG-4. This is probably the most commonly known encoding format, and also one of the most used currently as video makes its way onto the internet. This encoding format is good for online distribution, especially of large videos and video recorded to flash memory. It compresses the video to make it usable for viewers online, and for those who want to upload it to their MP-4 player, or iPod type device. This is a common format for video podcasting.
  • MPEG-2. This encoding format is likely the most used of all formats because it can be used for both professional and consumer uses.This is the format used for DVDs and Super-VCDs, so if you are encoding your files to place them on a DVD, such as a wedding video, a child's cartoon, or anything else, this is the best format to use.
  • MPEG-1. The MPEG formats are very consumer friendly, and have different uses, the MPEG-1 is best used for video CDs. If you are recoding a video to go along with an audio track, this is great, but if the video is your prime focus, DVD, so MPEG-2 is a better option.
  • H.261, H.263, H.264 also known as MPEG-4 Part 10, or as AVC are used for various things, but are generally for the professional. Consumers tend to stick to the basic MPEG files, and while this encoding can be used by the consumer, it is not the most consumer friendly.
  • Theora is the last PCM option for encoding, and while it is standardized it is developing still, and thus not used as often as MPEG-4, but this encoding format is used for video over the internet.

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