Question 1

What is a video codec and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A video codec compresses and decompresses digital video to reduce file size while maintaining quality. It’s essential for storing, sharing, and streaming video efficiently.

Question 2

What is the difference between H.264 and HEVC (H.265)?

Accepted Answer

HEVC (H.265) offers about 50% better compression than H.264, meaning smaller files at similar quality. However, it’s less widely supported and requires more processing power.

Question 3

Is VP9 better than H.264?

Accepted Answer

VP9 provides similar or slightly better compression than H.264 and is royalty-free, making it ideal for YouTube and web use. However, it lacks the universal hardware support of H.264.

Question 4

Why is AV1 considered the future of video codecs?

Accepted Answer

AV1 is royalty-free, highly efficient, and backed by major tech companies. It's designed to outperform HEVC and VP9 in compression, though hardware support is still catching up.

Question 5

Which video codec should I use for YouTube or social media?

Accepted Answer

H.264 is the safest for compatibility, but VP9 or AV1 can offer better quality at smaller sizes if supported. The best codec depends on your editing tools and audience’s devices.

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HEVC codec

Understanding Video Codecs: H.264, HEVC (H.265), VP9, and AV1 Explained