Architectures - MPEG
MPEG is a standard file format and set of compression algorithms, jointly developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) to handle video and audio. Patents for the technologies behind MPEG are held by several different companies and research departments. Technically, 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.
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MPEG VIDEO CODECS |
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Codec |
Pros |
Cons |
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MPEG-1 |
Well-established standard; plays
in software on most recent computers; best for medium-quality video |
Poorly suited to full-resolution
video; files generally too large for efficient web use |
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MPEG-2 |
Excellent quality (generally
better than LaserDisc); standardized in hardware for DVD-Video players |
Generally requires specialized
playback hardware; not playable on most machines built before 1998; high data
rates (typically 400KByte/sec+) not well-suited for network use; licensing
requires per-disc fees |
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MPEG-4 |
Good quality at low data rates |
Not well-suited to higher data
rates; not fully defined yet |
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MPEG AUDIO CODECS |
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Codec |
Pros |
Cons |
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MPEG Layer I |
Oldest MPEG audio standard, so
most widely supported |
Generally inferior to Layer II,
obsolete |
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MPEG Layer II |
Excellent audio quality |
Requires high data rates, so not
well suited to network applications |
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MPEG Layer III (MP3) |
More efficient at encoding smaller
files than Layer II |
Not well-suited to streaming at
modem data rates |