MPEG4 for internet streaming

dvideo wrote on 4/20/2005, 9:47 AM

How can I render an MPEG4 file for internet streaming? I have the option to render MPEG2, but don't see one for MPEG4, although was told there should be a setting withing the "Windows Media Custom Window". Any suggestions?

Thanks

Comments

p@mast3rs wrote on 4/20/2005, 9:49 AM

You will have to use Quicktime for Mpeg-4 streaming.

B_JM wrote on 4/20/2005, 9:49 AM

which type of mpeg4 ? there are many ..

windows media 9 is a type of mpeg4 and prob. your best choice at this point ..

that is mpeg4 streaming .....

you can use QT mpeg4 also as mentioned - but the quality is awful ..

p@mast3rs wrote on 4/20/2005, 9:55 AM

B_JM, agreed wrt QT's quality. One really needs to use Sorenson to get good quality QT files.

The other Mpeg-4s (xvid, divx, etc..) are absolutely horrible for streaming as most you need to download the entire file before you can even begin playback.

I agree if streaming is what the original poster is after, stick with WMV. Streams easier and faster with acceptable quality.

dvideo wrote on 4/20/2005, 10:33 AM

so your saying if I use Windows Media9, it is already an MPEG4 file without having to adjust anything in the customs settings? Any advice for adjusting the Kbps? Are there any other tips you might offer for this process?

Thanks again

p@mast3rs wrote on 4/20/2005, 10:39 AM

WM9 is NOT Mpeg-4. It utilizes some of the mpeg-4 features but is far from the mpeg-4 standard specs.

WM9 is good for streaming over the web. The bitrate you use will depend on the amount of bandwidth your viewers have. For example, if you have a dialup user on a 56K modem, obviously you can stream a 2Mbs stream to them.

What kind of viewers do you have and what is there bandwidth capabilities if you know?

dvideo wrote on 4/20/2005, 11:34 AM

Any other feedback? As of now, the answers are a bit mixed.

B_JM wrote on 4/20/2005, 12:41 PM

WMV is a kind of a Microsoft version of MPEG4 -- MS even called it thus ..

for streaming you have really 3 choices - Quicktime (Sorenson is the best choice) , REAL MEDIA or windows media 8 or 9 (9 is much better)

problem is there are MANY types of mpeg4 (of which I first alluded to):

ALL of these are MPEG4 (and this is not a complete list) and ALL are different and in many cases - not even compatible ..

DiVX
XViD
QT MPEG4
MainConcept H264
x264
3iVX
DQ
H.264 AHEAD
H.264 main trunk
MPEG4 mp4 gen
nAVI video codec