MP4 File Format Usage and Compression Techniques

MP4 file format, also commonly known as MPEG-4 Part 14 or MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding), is a multimedia file format used to digitally store audio and video files. MP4 file format is also used for video streaming over the Internet. MP4 file format is basically a container that holds audio and video files that are digitally encoded. MP4 file format has only one official file extension, i.e., .mp4.

There are two unofficial file extensions, as well, namely .m4A, which is audio-only, and .m4p, which stands for the protected MP4 file format.

Although people most often associate MP4 with audio and video, because it is a container, it actually can hold other types of data, too. For instance, it can hold images and subtitles. Other file extensions, such as .M4v, .3gp, .M4R and .AAC also are associated with MP4 along with .mp4, .m4A and .m4p.

History

MP4 is a more specified version of a general-purpose ISO media format based MPEG-4 Part 12 file format. MPEG-4 Part 12 is based on Apple’s QuickTime audio/video file format. MPEG was developed in the year 1998 by Motion Picture Expert Group (MPEG), which is also credited with having set the standards for video and audio data encoding.

The purpose of developing an MP4 file format was to introduce a video and audio file container that could hold low data audio and video files used on the Internet for streaming. When MP4 file format was introduced, the World Wide Web was gaining popularity, and an audio/video format consuming low bandwidth was required.

There are two different mp4 formats. The first, mp41, was released in 2001 as the ISO/IEC 14496:-1:2001 standard. The second MPEG 4 video format version, mp42, also known as MPEG-4 Part 14, was released in 2003 as the ISO/IEC 14496-14:2003 standard.

Compression Techniques

The compression algorithm for an MP4 file format is somewhat similar to the MP3 compression algorithm, but MP4 compression is lossless and audio or video quality of the actual file is not decreased.

Video files using MP4 file container are compressed using H.264 or MPEG-4 compression techniques. Audio files are compressed using the AAC compression algorithm, which is also used for .AAC extension file compressions.

Advantages

• Suitable for video streaming over the internet. This promotes better sharing and overall viewing of the content.
• Less loss of quality with a higher degree of compression. Higher quality generally translates to a more pleasurable and memorable experience for the user. Higher compression with MPEG 4 format means users can store more files in less space.
• Can store data types other than video and audio, such as object descriptors, scene descriptors, and other object-oriented file structures and MPEG features.
• A separate hint track is used to encode streaming MP4 information.
• MP4 files can be run on virtually all the major media players and sound card drivers. This makes MPEG4 file format highly reliable and, again, supports wider distribution. Comparatively, other formats, such as MOV, cannot be used across as many platforms.
• Imaging with MP4 video file format is sharp, clear and precise.

Disadvantages

The only disadvantage of the MP4 file format is from the editing and movie-making point of view. MP4 files are not easy to edit or update. For example, importing files in the MP4 format into video editing programs sometimes causes those programs to crash, audio is missing or the video shows no images.

Audio also can drift out of sync with the video or the video can be distorted. This is often related to codec issues. Editors also might not recognize or import the MPEG file format at all. Still another issue is that files in MP4 container format can require a lot of resources to playback and edit.

Basically, these are the main MP4 disadvantages.

Usage

How does MP4 work?

MP4 file format is used almost everywhere, is the standard video format. Several mobile platforms and handheld devices use MP4 file format as their default file format. Smartphones, iPads, and tablets make wide use of MP4 file format to play audio and video files.

Personal media players that support MP4 also still are popular, although consumers often use their smartphones and other devices instead of buying standalone players. Most users who do buy standalone players buy ones that are MP4 capable, rather than opting solely for an MP3 player, because MP4 support offers the option for video content rather than just audio.

Probably the two most popular programs for playing MP4 are QuickTime and Windows Media Player. But many other applications, such as VLC, support MP4, as well. Which you use usually comes down to the application’s ability to support other additional formats and features you use frequently.

Conclusion

MP4 file format is among the best video file format options for audio and video content. This is largely due to the combination of exceptional quality, small size, multi-platform support, and streaming compatibility. While other formats might work for specific needs, MP4 can be seen as a good default choice.

   

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