PDA

View Full Version : Most Common Compression

XenoAcid
02-02-2007, 07:09 PM
Just a quick question concerning the compression format of reels.
What compression is generally seen as the norm with companies.
My reel is currently QuickTime H.264 (instead of Sorenson 3) due
to it's decent job sizing files down without loosing too much quality.

I just recieved an email from a potential employer who was not able
to view the reel. This concerned me a little bit since his mail was the
first to state this fact, and made me wonder how many other people
were not able to see it, just tossing it aside and not giving it much thought.
dtoxxx
02-04-2007, 01:33 AM
Interesting subject. I'm surprised this hasn't come up more on this board.

The most common codecs are probably standard mpeg2, DV/DVCPRO/DVCPRO-HD, standard animation or video codec from quicktime, AVI, WMV.

H.264 is a relatively new codec, and if the person viewing doesn't have up to date software that supports the codec, they can't view it.

You have a few choices here, you could include a software update function on your demo disc, include multiple versions of the file with different codecs, or use a different codec altogether.
You can't go wrong with standard mpeg2.
You could make a standard DVD. All computers made within the last 8 years have the ability to play standard DVD's, and all DVD players made within the last 5 years can read a DVD on a recordable disc.
That would be my MO. I'd just make a standard DVD with a nice menu that has your personal information such as school, work history, etc.., and then another choice on the menu to show your work.
Why take the chance that this could happen again? With a standard DVD, this isn't even an issue. You know anyone can view it using a computer OR set-top, no worries.
XenoAcid
02-05-2007, 12:50 AM
Thank you for the info. I was actually referring to reels that can be found on websites. I guess the same applies for them as well?! Mpeg-2, sorrenson 3, avi, etc....
dtoxxx
02-07-2007, 12:58 PM
If it's for a website, then mp4 is a decent choice.
But you could also get away with sticking with h.264, and include a note right above the link to your reel stating that it's h.264 and then provide a link to somewhere to update or download the codec.
Just a little note like-"requires quicktime 7', and then-"get quicktime 7" or something along those lines.
CGTalk Moderation
02-07-2007, 12:58 PM
This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.