Perrone Ford
January 9th, 2009, 01:41 PM
I sit at an odd crossroad and I'd like some thoughts from the users here.
My dilemma is whether to standardize on mpeg4/AVCHD for my work, or go with Windows Media. Both have numerous pluses and minuses.
For work purposes, we stream both live and on demand with Windows Media Server, so at least for work purposes, I am in bed with Microsoft. However my home projects are another matter.
Mpeg4 is all the rage right now. Everything seems to be swinging this way. So why even think about WMV?
WMV Advantages:
1. The VC-1 codec is a true SMPTE standard, and Windows Media 9 codec is compliant.
2. The Windows Media Encoder is a true professional tool and it's FREE.
3. I could encode multi-rate files OUTSIDE of my NLE. And I could do it in batch.
4. WMV has FAR more market penetration right now than mpeg4. There's a TON of PCs out there and they all have WM Player on them.
5. No compatibility games. Either you can play wmv or you can't. Mpeg4, well maybe maybe not. Maybe you have mpeg4 wrapped in .mov, or maybe it's a .mp4 file, or maybe even AVI.
6. The codec is VERY clean when you give it adequate bandwidth.
7. The VC-1 codec has been used on some of the best looking BluRay's out there. It's good.
The drawbacks obviously is that it's Window's native and windows centric. Mac's can't see it natively, but with Flip4mac, it's a non-issue.
Going to Mpeg4 offers a few advantages:
1. It's platform agnostic. Encoders and decoders are available freely for both Windows and Mac, and perhaps even Linux and others.
2. It makes really nice files!
3. Many cameras are using it natively which could reduce transcoding.
So what are you guys doing who deliver on the web?? Have you fought these battles? Have you seriously considered Windows Media or just run with the herd and gone to mp4?
I am going to be doing some low, medium, and high bitrate tests next week to see what I get, but I'd love to hear from others on this.
My dilemma is whether to standardize on mpeg4/AVCHD for my work, or go with Windows Media. Both have numerous pluses and minuses.
For work purposes, we stream both live and on demand with Windows Media Server, so at least for work purposes, I am in bed with Microsoft. However my home projects are another matter.
Mpeg4 is all the rage right now. Everything seems to be swinging this way. So why even think about WMV?
WMV Advantages:
1. The VC-1 codec is a true SMPTE standard, and Windows Media 9 codec is compliant.
2. The Windows Media Encoder is a true professional tool and it's FREE.
3. I could encode multi-rate files OUTSIDE of my NLE. And I could do it in batch.
4. WMV has FAR more market penetration right now than mpeg4. There's a TON of PCs out there and they all have WM Player on them.
5. No compatibility games. Either you can play wmv or you can't. Mpeg4, well maybe maybe not. Maybe you have mpeg4 wrapped in .mov, or maybe it's a .mp4 file, or maybe even AVI.
6. The codec is VERY clean when you give it adequate bandwidth.
7. The VC-1 codec has been used on some of the best looking BluRay's out there. It's good.
The drawbacks obviously is that it's Window's native and windows centric. Mac's can't see it natively, but with Flip4mac, it's a non-issue.
Going to Mpeg4 offers a few advantages:
1. It's platform agnostic. Encoders and decoders are available freely for both Windows and Mac, and perhaps even Linux and others.
2. It makes really nice files!
3. Many cameras are using it natively which could reduce transcoding.
So what are you guys doing who deliver on the web?? Have you fought these battles? Have you seriously considered Windows Media or just run with the herd and gone to mp4?
I am going to be doing some low, medium, and high bitrate tests next week to see what I get, but I'd love to hear from others on this.