With technology advancing day by day, it becomes kind of difficult to keep yourself updates with the latest happenings. You need to have a sound knowledge about certain technical aspects in order to learn further and draw inferences. Though you must have heard about MP4 or MPEG 4 files and players, how many of you actually know what is it? If you are one of those who knows all technical terms but doesn’t know the meaning or function, this information given below will be helpful.
What is MP4
MP4 files are basically multimedia files in a container format that can store video, audio, subtitle data and more information, depending on what kind of content is it. It is a standard that is used to compress audio and visual digital data. MPEG 4 is the designation for a group of video and audio coding standard that was accepted by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) under the formal standard ISO/IEC 14496. Basically, the major uses of MPEG 4 standard are web and CD distribution, videophone conversation and broadcast television. This is done by compressing the AV stream.
MP-4 Features
You will find many features of the MPEG 1 and 2, in the MPEG 4. Other features that can be found include VRML support for 3D rendering, object-oriented composite files (audio, video and VRML), support for externally-specified Digital Rights Management and various types of interactivity. The MPEG 4 is a standard that is still in the developing stage and is divided into various parts. Not all companies state which part they are using when they promote MP 4. Usually, it is upto the individual developers to decide which features do they want to implement in a given file or format. This indicates that the entire set of MPEG 4 standard has no complete implementations.
How to Play MP4 Files
There are three basic things required to playback MP4 files - splitter (to access the actual video and audio data), decoders (codecs/filters) and playback software. Usually, Windows OS are loaded with a default Media Player. However, in order to play MP 4 files, it needs to ‘split’ a given file to access video and audio data. Even if you have playback software that has a built-in support to open MP-4 files, one can’t guarantee that you can play the video/audio data without additional software.
- The easiest method to play MP 4 files is to download and install VLC player. This package has playback software to play MP4 files support decoding a huge number of audio and video formats.
- Another option is to download and install the Haali Media Splitter. After you agree to their terms and conditions, click install. A window will open asking you as to where you want to save the software. The default location is fine. Before installing, make sure the option of “Enable MP4” is checked. It only takes a few minutes to install on your computer.
- You may also install FFDShow on your computer. It is best compatible with Windows XP. After agreeing to their terms and conditions, you need to select a language and save the package in your computer. It is best to use FFDShow for video only with the programs listed in it to prevent any compatibility problems with any other software.
