8
What video container should I use? (piefed.blahaj.zone)
submitted 1 month ago by to c/techsupport@lemmy.world
23 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Edit: I encode to/with(?) the codec h246. This question is about containers/filename extensions.

I am digitizing old video mediums, such as VHS, VHS-C and Mini DV. A few colleagues have asked me to do it for them, which is awesome and feels great. Now, for personal use, I encode save video with the .mkv container out of habit. I have no idea why that is bad or good. However, the question is, which container should I use to ensure maximum compatibility with my colleagues' phones, computers, possibly TVs? Is, for instance, .mpeg the way to go?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 5 points 1 month ago (3 children)

I'm not an expert but MKV should be ubiquitous enough to please most people. You can tell reluctant people to install VLC and it should work with any codec.

I download most movies who are encoded in MP5/x265/whatever265 because it saves space, but MP4 could be better for people who only have iPhones or old TVs.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    Thanks! My very first "customer" is a Samsung guy, so mkv should work in his case. I'll definitely try somebody's iPhone to see what containers and codecs they support.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 1 month ago

    As a Samsung TV owner, it can play MKV. But it does better (more consistent) with MP4.

    To MKV is a more future-proof solution. MP4 is more compatible, today.

    Tough call.

    Though since it's for other people, I'd probably give them MP4, and highest quality those videos can benefit from.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent