Autodesk 64006-051108-9001 User Guide - Page 106

MPEG, MPEG Playback, QuickTime 6 and QuickTime 7.

Page 106 highlights

98 Chapter 7: Formats MPEG MPEG is a standard file format and associated compression algorithms developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) to handle video and audio. Patents for the MPEG technologies are held by several different companies and research departments. MPEG video is similar to JPEG, but is extended to handle motion efficiently. The various forms of MPEG are used for a wide range of video and audio applications, from desktop computer presentations and games to consumer DVD-Video players and satellite video systems. MPEG-1 produces high-quality video and audio streams at approximately 2x CD-ROM data rates. Standard MPEG-1 is full frame rate (24-30 fps, depending on the source) with a quarter size image (352x240, NTSC) and is useful for playback on most new desktop computers. MPEG-1 hardware acceleration is fairly common on higher-end video cards and many new PCs ship with MPEG-1 acceleration built in. MPEG-2 produces high-data rate, full broadcast-quality files that require DVD, fast CD-ROM or hard drives for playback. MPEG-2 playback also requires a fast computer and video card or a hardware accelerator card. MPEG-2 is used for commercial DVDs (DVD-Video) and many home satellite dish systems. Standard MPEG-2 is full frame rate (24-30 fps) and full-screen resolution (720x480, NTSC). MPEG-4 is a global multimedia standard, delivering professional-quality audio and video streams over a wide range of bandwidths, from cell phone to broadband. The MPEG-4 video compression codec is ISMA compliant and can provide an extremely low data rate of 64 kbits/ second. MPEG-4 also scales to transport media at any data rate - from media suitable for delivery over dial-up modems to high-bandwidth networks. The advantage that this codec offers is interoperability with other systems. Interoperability is the primary goal of the codec. MPEG-4 is the codec used on video iPods. MPEG Playback All MPEG formats can be played via QuickTime on Mac OS and Windows Media Player on Windows. There are several other MPEG players that play MPEG files. Most computers sold today support MPEG-1 playback. Older computers may do a good job if they are fast enough/have a good video card or if they have an MPEG hardware card. Doubling the video to full screen may increase the playback requirements. MPEG-2 is very demanding and generally requires a special hardware MPEG-2 card or a fast computer with a fast video card. Software-only MPEG-2 playback is available as an add-on to QuickTime 6 and QuickTime 7.

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Chapter 7: Formats
98
MPEG
MPEG is a standard file format and associated compression algorithms developed by the
Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) to handle video and audio. Patents for the MPEG
technologies are held by several different companies and research departments.
MPEG video is similar to JPEG, but is extended to handle motion efficiently. The various forms
of MPEG are used for a wide range of video and audio applications, from desktop computer
presentations and games to consumer DVD-Video players and satellite video systems.
MPEG-1 produces high-quality video and audio streams at approximately 2x CD-ROM data
rates. Standard MPEG-1 is full frame rate (24–30 fps, depending on the source) with a quarter
size image (352x240, NTSC) and is useful for playback on most new desktop computers.
MPEG-1 hardware acceleration is fairly common on higher-end video cards and many new PCs
ship with MPEG-1 acceleration built in.
MPEG-2 produces high-data rate, full broadcast-quality files that require DVD, fast CD-ROM
or hard drives for playback. MPEG-2 playback also requires a fast computer and video card or
a hardware accelerator card. MPEG-2 is used for commercial DVDs (DVD-Video) and many
home satellite dish systems. Standard MPEG-2 is full frame rate (24–30 fps) and full-screen
resolution (720x480, NTSC).
MPEG-4 is a global multimedia standard, delivering professional-quality audio and video
streams over a wide range of bandwidths, from cell phone to broadband. The MPEG-4 video
compression codec is ISMA compliant and can provide an extremely low data rate of 64 kbits/
second. MPEG-4 also scales to transport media at any data rate — from media suitable for
delivery over dial-up modems to high-bandwidth networks. The advantage that this codec
offers is interoperability with other systems. Interoperability is the primary goal of the codec.
MPEG-4 is the codec used on video iPods.
MPEG Playback
All MPEG formats can be played via QuickTime on Mac OS and Windows Media Player on
Windows. There are several other MPEG players that play MPEG files.
Most computers sold today support MPEG-1 playback. Older computers may do a good job if
they are fast enough/have a good video card or if they have an MPEG hardware card.
Doubling the video to full screen may increase the playback requirements.
MPEG-2 is very demanding and generally requires a special hardware MPEG-2 card or a fast
computer with a fast video card. Software-only MPEG-2 playback is available as an add-on to
QuickTime 6 and QuickTime 7.