We explain the difference between MP4 and MPEG4 with table. Technology helped us change as a society, and this happened not only because of tall skyscrapers or space missions, but also because of much smaller things. The fact that we all have a personalized collection of thousands of memories that we create is also a blessing of technology. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
The invention of modern computers was complemented very well by online media compressors and storage formats. Most of which emerged in the latter part of the last century.
MP4 and MPEG 4, often mistaken for the same thing, turned out to be pioneering inventions in the same field. The former is considered an abbreviation of the latter, although it is far from the truth. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
What is MP4?
A common file platform used to stream or download video from the Internet. MP4 is a versatile video compressor, which can store a wide variety of files. It contains audio, video, subtitle files, along with audio and video sync time information, thumbnail file, etc.
MP4 (MPEG-4, part 14) was created in 2001 by Motion Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) and ISO / IBC. MP4 is the data container and not an encoder itself. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
One of the main positive aspects of MP4 is that the file size is much smaller than the video format. Also, the quality is preserved as it does not run out when the file size is reduced.
MP4 can also store data other than audio, video, and voice. It is more suitable for streaming videos online and maintains good quality even after compressing a large amount of data.
Also, compression of high-quality videos does not degrade audio quality. More importantly, MP4 can play high quality videos at 1MB / sec or even less (with preset internet service).
However, MP4 files like MP3 are difficult to edit and update. Also in this day and age, with movies available on paid online streaming platforms, MP4 is used to download video content illegally online. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
Some of the features of MP4 are:
- MP4 is an open standard file that makes it easy for everyone to use.
- The original quality of the video remains intact.
- Most applications support this format.
- MP4 is the preferred option for streaming videos online.
- The fact that it is compatible with many different operating systems makes distribution easier. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
What is MPEG 4? difference between mp4 and mpeg4
Introduced in 1998, MPEG 4 is a group of methods for compressing audio and video data. MPEG 4 covers a fairly wide range in different media, namely broadcast television, telephone and CD. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
MPEG 4 is not only a combination of MPEG 1 and 2, it also has many of its unique features. VRML assistance for 3D rendering and object-oriented files are some of its unique features.
MPEG 4 is extremely flexible and easy to use for developers. It offers a space for developers to use all of its features, not necessarily in its holistic nature. This flexibility results in an increased likelihood that all established MPEG 4 standards will not be used at the same time. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
MPEG 4 supports 3D rendering and description of the scene. This feature is especially useful when giving presentations. It works smoothly, even with low bandwidth. Also, various devices and media containers support MPEG4.
MPEG 4 can also enhance your online video viewing experience by adding still graphics, visuals, and animation. It also enables robust streaming and can also encode mixed audio and video data. In addition to the superior encoding efficiency, it is also a huge plus. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
Following some of its main characteristics:
- Profiles – Different profiles are offered for different applications.
- Interoperability – This standard is not platform specific, but is designed for all platforms.
- Scalability – Provides room for flexibility in the methods for encoding the transmission of bits.
Although MP4 containers hold MPEG4 encoded video data, they are not equipped to manipulate quality. It has more to do with the storage of the different complementary files of the video.
Converting MPEG4 to MP4.
MPEG 4 is a generic term for different data containers, if in case your device is not compatible with any of its containers, you will want to use MP4. Many media players do not support MPEG 4 format. Sometimes when your file is in MPEG 4 format and needs to be edited, converting it to MP4 is the only viable option available. There are many online methods and applications that can be helpful in this process. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
Difference between MP4 and MPEG4 with table
The difference between MP4 and MPEG 4 is that while MPEG 4 is an all-encompassing term for different media containers, MP4 is simply a part of the former and a later successor. Both formats are created by Moving Pictures Experts Group.
Comparison table between MP4 and MPEG 4
| Comparison parameters | MPEG4 | MP4 |
| Use | Generally used for sharing video content on the Internet | A media container, which compresses audio, video, and various other files. |
| Developed by | Moving Image Experts Group | International Organization for Standardization. |
| Story | Started in 1998 to encode AV formats. | Created in 2001 and is based on Apple’s MOV format |
| Advantage | Has higher compression rates with minimal bandwidth usage | Video quality is not affected after compression, regardless of its size. |
| Disadvantages | Higher compression can cause the video to lose its quality. | It can be easily misused to download online videos. |
Main differences between MP4 and MPEG4
- MPEG 4 is used for online video and audio data compression. It is also used in broadcast television and CD distribution applications.
- MP4 is a media container, developed by the International Organization for Standardization. It contains audio, video and text data. MP4 is an extension of MPEG 4, part 12.
- MPEG 4 is a video encoding algorithm, responsible for compressing and converting AV data. MP4, on the other hand, is a container for the already compressed media.
- MP4 has nothing to do with the conversion of the data, it only deals with the storage of various files related to it (subtitles, audio, AV sync, etc.) difference between mp4 and mpeg4
Final Thought difference between mp4 and mpeg4
MP4 and MPEG 4 are two of the reasons why we can easily access online videos and also store them on our devices. MP4 can act as an extension of a file and store all the data. MPEG 4, on the other hand, is a compression method developed by MPEG.
Although the two may seem completely interdependent, they can also work in another way. MP4 is just one of the devices that can store the MPEG4 encoded data, there are other options too, namely MKV, AVI, etc. difference between mp4 and mpeg4
In addition, both face the problem of limiting the use in case of piracy. The infringement of intellectual property is something that the updates of these two formats would like to analyze.
