[FFmpeg-user] mp4 vs. h264

[Mark Himsley]

On 24/10/11 11:08, Adam Klobukowski wrote:
> Hello
>
> Please excuse me for tif possibly lame question:
>
> What is the difference between ffmpeg mp4 video codec and h264? What
> do I gain/loose when using mp4 vc or h264?

"mp4" video codec is MPEG4 part 2. H.264 is MPEG4 part 10.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4 for general information on MPEG4
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4_Part_2 for mp4 video codec
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.264/MPEG-4_AVC for h.264

H.264 is very likely going to give you better perceived quality for the 
same bit rate, or same perceived quality for lower bit rate (which ever 
way you want to look at it) compared to mp4.


-- 
Mark