OT - Codec preference

BobMoyer wrote on 8/31/2003, 11:26 AM
I listed this as off topic because my question is concerns rendering from a ParticleIllusion project into Vegas 4. I assume that the available codecs that PI lists is different on everyone's computer, but is there a preference on the ones listed below? Thanks.

Intel Indeo Video R3.2
Cinepak
Microsoft Video1
Indeo video 5.06
Sony DV Codec
Microsoft MPEG-4 V1(also V2, and V3)
Intel Indeo 4.4
Windows Media Video 9
Full Frames (uncompressed)

Thanks again.

Bob

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 8/31/2003, 11:33 AM
Of that list, i would say that if quality is topmost importance, then go for Full Frames (uncompressed). If disk space is tight and you have to crunch it, then go for the Sony DV Codec. If you choose any of the others you're probably going to get more artifacts and blurriness than you want to deal with.
JohnnyRoy wrote on 8/31/2003, 11:38 AM
I use uncompressed when transferring between any 3rd part application and Vegas. This maintains the highest quality and is the only way to include an alpha channel. Usually these clips are short and so the file size is not a concern.

If you want to use a codec, I would use the Sony DV codec so that Vegas will not have to re-render. Any other codec will cause Vegas to re-render if your target is DV tape.

~jr
filmy wrote on 8/31/2003, 3:21 PM
If you are trying to output for some sort of broadcast or Mini-DV quality I would just go with uncompressed. If you can afford it purchase Main Concept DV if you are going to do a lot of DV material. The indeo codecs are mostly outdated anymore, Cinepak is just a waste of space IMO, WMV 9 I really have not played with enough to fully comment, and the MPEG 4 codecs are fine for web based download - but even then I would probabbly go with Quicktime 6.
John_Cline wrote on 8/31/2003, 11:05 PM
You could also use the HUFFYUV codec, which is lossless (and free.) Since it stores video as YUV data as opposed to RGB, it will compress about 30% or so.

HUFFYUV page

John
BobMoyer wrote on 9/1/2003, 8:44 AM
Thanks everyone. My projects are not professional, I am just an amateur working with family clips.

Bob