What is an MP4 - MPEG4 AVC?

MP4 - Advanced Video Coding

Mpeg4 Video is the standard that most new video technology is using, some appliances use a certain proprietary file encoding for its device.

New Ipod and Iphone and Iphone Touch devices use Mpeg4 video. The reason that these devices use MP4 video compression is that the file size is reduced to extremely smaller file sizes. This is accomplished by removing portions of the video stream that is used as redundancy; also the file goes through re-compression and resolution re-sizing. Now when creating the file, you'll need to set the frame rate and the video resolution to match you personal media devices specifications, in order for the video to play correctly.

The reason that so many video conversion programs are available for different devices is that the correct settings are already built into the GUI applications for you. Making sure that you have the correct resolution will also ensure that you are optimizing the media file size. The proper sized files mean that you won't be losing drive space to incorrectly converted video. Sure the files converted at twice the resolution will most likely play on your device, but you could of had 2 full length movies instead of 1.

Store DVD in VOB format - Estimated 1.7GB

MPEG4 Video Resolution

DVD Compressed Quality - estimated 900MB
Television Quality - estimated 600MB
IPOD, IPHONE Quality - estimated 350 MB

If you are going to use the Video file on multiple personal media device. It's recommended to convert it to the device that needs the highest resolution. What I mean, Apple TV hooked to a television will work best with DVD compressed quality, and it can always play on the IPOD. Or make a second file to optimize it to save space on your device.