What Is H.264 Format?
Learn What Is H.264 Format and How to Play H.264 on PC/Mac?
H.264 is a new video codec standard which can achieve high quality video in relatively low
bitrates. You can think it as the "successor" of the existing formats (MPEG2, MPEG-4, DivX,
XviD, etc.) as it aims in offering similar video quality in half the size of the formats
mentioned before.
Also known as AVC (Advanced Video Coding, MPEG-4 Part 10), H.264 is actually defined in
an identical pair of standards maintained by different organizations, together known as
the Joint Video Team (JVT). While MPEG-4 Part 10 is an ISO/IEC standard, it was developed
in cooperation with the ITU, an organization heavily involved in broadcast television
standards. Since the ITU designation for the standard is H.264, you may see MPEG-4 Part 10
video referred to as either AVC or H.264. Both are valid, and refer to the same standard.
The latest version of ffdshow supports H.264 playback. Please remember, ffdshow is a
DirectShow filter so after you install it you'll be able to play H.264 in most video players you
already have installed, including BlazeDVD, which can play H.264 without need of any codec
or DirectShow filter. Apple QuickTime players support H.264 too, but their support is not so
great for all formats, so don't use them for general H.264 playback. Generally most players
or codec packs nowadays include H264 support so you shouldn't have any problems. You
may also watch your H.264 files on your Xbox 360 and PSP with smooth playback.