Compression problem

[Craig Seeman]

There is an x264 Quicktime Component.
https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/24173/x264encoder
But apparently MyCometG3 has shut down.
https://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/mycometg3/

There’s the VLC developers which list applications using x264.
https://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html
which includes Handbrake for example.

If you want x264 as a supported codec it’s an add on to Telestream Episode and I believe Squeeze as well.

[Mike Jeffs]

From what I understand x264 is the open source version of the codec. But they are essentially the same. That is, any player, editor , ect will see a x264 just as it would a h264. The quality of a file at the x264 at same bit rate should be exactly the same as h264. The major difference is that because it’s open source more companies can create products that accelerate the encoding process or tweak it a bit. Such as telestream.

There are a couple of ways to compress a DVD quality file into h264 or x264 under 2 gigs and keep decent quality. What are you using to transcode?

Mike Jeffs
Video Coordinator
BYU-Idaho

[Craig Seeman]

[Mike Jeffs] “the quality of a file at the x264 at same bit rate should be exactly the same as h264”

Absolutely NOT TRUE. The key difference in the H264 specs is that the encoders can make a BIG DIFFERENCE in quality. The spec does define playback such that a player that can handle H.264 from Apple, MainConcept, x264, etc should all be playable assuming certain factors.

This is why, unlike codecs such as VP6 (always On2) or WMV9 (always Microsoft or their licensed SDK), H.264 has so many companies designing their own encoders.

[Mike Jeffs] “From what I understand x264 is the open source version of the codec.”

Yes but with qualifications. The commercial use MUST BE LICENSED. Telestream and Sorenson have to pay licensing fees.
https://x264licensing.com

x264, for the most part, is the most efficient version of the encoder which is precisely why Telestream and Sorenson are willing to pay to include it.

Any professional testing with demanding source material who Compare x264, MainConcept H.264, Apple H.264 can easily see the differences at a given bit rate.

Telestream, in their ScreenFlow blog 2 years ago noted the difference between Apple’s H.264 and x264 as a Quicktime Component.
https://blogs.telestream.net/screenflow/2010/02/apple-h-264-vs-x264-in-screenflow-better-exports/

The new ScreenFlow 4 has moved from Apple’s H.264 to x264 as a result.

[Shiu tao tobby Kan]

Get it. Thank you very much for all your detail explanations. It seems that in recent years, H.264 or X264 are the best codec for videos in small size.