H.264

From WikiMac, Everyone's Mac Knowledgebase

Apple.com state-of-the-art video codec called H.264, which delivers stunning quality at remarkably low data rates. Ratified as part of the MPEG-4 standard (MPEG-4 Part 10)

The H.264 encoder features:

Intelligent multi-pass encoding for the best possible results at the desired bit rate with the optimal number of compression passes. Time-saving single-pass encoding for creating draft encodes, meeting impending deadlines and live encoding with QuickTime Broadcaster. Peak-constrained VBR options for limited data-rate scenarios such as streaming and CD/DVD playback. Advanced frame reordering (B-frame) support to more efficiently represent movie data. 4x4 integer transform for reducing traditional blocking and ringing artifacts, especially in areas of fine detail. Improved intraframe prediction for more efficient compression of details and gradients in high-motion video. Increased precision in motion estimation for crisp reconstruction of objects in motion. Flexible block sizes in motion estimation for more efficient encoding of complicated motion in areas of fine detail. Adaptively tuned in-loop deblocking filter for eliminating blocking artifacts, resulting in a smooth, clean image.