Which Is Better: MPEG4 or SMV?
MPEG4 and SMV are both video compression formats. Both formats have their advantages and having a better understanding of how they work will help you decide which one is best for your needs.
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MPEG4 Video
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MPEG4 video is the latest extension of video compression formats from the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), which previously created the MPEG1 compression used in VCDs and MPEG2 compression for DVDs. While the MPEG4 format was originally created for delivering low-bandwidth video over the Internet, it has since been adapted to several other uses, including video-on-demand, Blu-ray video discs and broadcast television. Audio tracks for MPEG4 video files can be encoded in many different formats, including MP3, AAC and AC3 Dolby Digital.
SMV Video
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SMV video is a video compression format designed to work exclusively with video players that use SigmaTel's video chipset; SMV stands for SigmaTel Motion Video. Each video frame of a file encoded in the SMV format is compressed as a sequence of JPEG images. The smaller JPEG images of the sequence are padded to the largest image of the video file, making a specific frame position easier to calculate. Audio tracks for SMV videos are saved as uncompressed streams.
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Advantages of MPEG4
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MPEG4 offers higher quality video compression than the SMV video format. Because the audio tracks can be compressed as well, the file sizes are much smaller. MPEG4 video is also a non-proprietary format, which means that it is not owned by a specific company and can be played back on many different devices. SMV video is only designed for players that have SigmaTel's video processors.
Advantages of SMV Video
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SMV video should only be used for compressing a video file if you intend to play it on a video player that uses SigmaTel's chipset technology. Otherwise, MPEG4 is a better format to use, as it has better video quality. However, because the SMV video format uses the common JPEG compression image scheme, the files will be compatible with most computer video player programs, such as VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player and Media Player Classic.
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References
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