25.2. CompressionDigital video wouldn't be possible without methods for compressing the vast amounts of data necessary to describe sound and frame images. Video files can be compressed in a number of ways. This section looks at a variety of compression schemes and introduces the methods they use for achieving compression rates. Understanding your options can help you make better decisions for optimizing your video files. 25.2.1. Lossless Versus Lossy CompressionCompression can be "lossless," which means no information is lost and the final file is identical to the original. Most compression schemes use forms of lossy compression. Lossy compression sacrifices some data from the file to achieve much higher compression rates. Lossy compression schemes, such as MPEG, use complicated algorithms that toss out data for sound and image detail that is not discernible to the human ear or eye. The decompressed file is extremely similar in character to the original, yet is not identical. This is similar to the way JPEG handles still images. 25.2.2. Spatial Versus Temporal CompressionSpatial (or intraframe) compression takes place on each individual frame of the video, compressing the pixel information as though it were a still image. Temporal (or interframe) compression happens over a series of frames and takes advantage of areas of the image that remain unchanged from frame to frame, throwing out data for repeated pixels. Temporal compression relies on the placement of key frames interspersed throughout the frames sequence. The key frames are used as masters against which the following frames (called delta frames) are compared. It is recommended that a key frame be placed once every second; therefore, if you have a frame rate of 15 fps, set your key frame rate once every 15 frames. Videos without a lot of motion, such as talking head clips, take the best advantage of temporal compression. Videos with pans and other motion are compressed less efficiently. 25.2.3. Video CodecsThere are a number of codecs (compression/decompression algorithms) that can be used to compress video files for the Web. Many of these codecs can be applied to several different file formats (discussed in the next section of this chapter). Video-editing software packages often offer a long list of codecs in their compressor list options. Here we focus on just those that are relevant to video intended for web delivery.
Copyright © 2002 O'Reilly & Associates. All rights reserved. |
|