Digital video can be recorded in different formats like AVCHD or MP4 depending on the camera. When video is imported to a computer, it is contained in a file format like MTS which uses the MPEG-2 codec. Video editors can edit these files and then export the finished video in a format suitable for its intended use, such as MP4 for YouTube, iTunes, or phones, or MPEG-2 for DVDs. The ideal format balances high quality with small file size, as streaming services require smaller files than downloads.

1. Digital Video
File Type, Codecs and purpose

2. Digital Video camcorders can
record in a variety of formats
Most home camcorders
will record in
AVCHD
like the Panasonic
HCV700
DLSR Cameras normally
record in
MP4
like the Canon 600D

3. When you save the footage onto your computer,
you will be able to see the file type
AVCHD
‘collection’

4. You can right click to see what is inside of the container

5. So you can see that the actual videos are MTS file, which
is actually MPEG-2
MPEG-2

6. Premier will edit these files but you have the choice on
how to export your video.

7. Format or Container
Codec

8. Although the container or format is
Quicktime (.MOV)
you can change the codec

9. It’s about the right codec for the right job!
DVDs historically have
always used MPEG-2
MPEG-2 (M2v) is rarely
seen anywhere else and
cannot be played on many
devices other than DVD
players.
Youtube can play most
video file formats, but
have trouble with larger
file, because the videos
are streamed over the
internet.
Normally MP4
iPhones can play MP4 files
and H.264, but you have to
convert your films in iTunes
first to sync with the phone.
Good quality - low file size
iPhones cannot play .flv files.
Most other phones can
play a much wider range
of file formats.
Such as .FLV - .MOV
- .MP4 etc

10. Its also about File Size !!
Netflix need to be able to broadcast video file, but not have them
freeze on peoples TVs.
Although these look the same, one of them is a Quicktime movie and one is an
mp4.
The quicktime movie is considerably bigger then the MP4 so not fit for purpose
for NETFLIX.
QUICKTIME MOV - using ProRes442 - 948MB MP4 using H.264 - 442MB

11. You will need to talk about where digital video can be used
What might be the most appropriate format and why?