MPEG-4 Video
MP4 stands for a MPEG-4 Video file. This is a more advanced form of the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video formats. Below is a list of notable features for the MP4 format.
- MP4 Files can contain video, audio and even store data such as subtitles
- MP4 files are smaller due to the improved compression codecs available over their predecessor formats
- MP4 files are high quality, sharp, clear and precise
The drawback to the MP4 format is that it is widely variable and can incorporate rarely used or exotic codecs. Codec is a mashup of the words code and decode. Codecs are the software that is encapsulated in the MP4 format that allows the file to be much smaller. There are hundreds of codecs that can be used with the MP4 format. It is important for a trial technology laptop to have codecs installed so that they do not run into issues with video playback. The best way to achieve this is to install codec packs like the following list:
Rather than downloading the individual codecs, many media players simply include them as part of the software. VLC is an excellent free media player that includes an extremely wide variety of codecs.
At this point, not all trial presentation software programs can handle the various codecs used to create MP4 files.Testing prolonged playback of any MP4 files is recommended. In regards to deposition videos, the MP4 format is not widely used or supported. Unfortunately MP4 format depositions will most likely need to be converted to older formats – which can introduce audio errors, testimony sync errors, and a general loss of quality.