H.264 in mov vs. h.264 in mp4

I find this very confusing. what is the difference between using h.264 in a .mov file and using it in a .mp4 file.
Is MP4 both a container file and a codec?
I am sold on h.264, but now I don't know which to use it in: Export to QT Movie or Export to mp4.

I don't think Apple is "pushing" the .mov extension over the .mp4 extension. The issue about MPEG-4 (and .mp4 files) is one of Microsoft's refusal to follow the standards and the attempt to create their own.
Many .mp4 files created using Windows software use "proprietary" Microsoft codecs that do not comply. People will soon be very confused (like the way it is today with .avi files).
Another issue is the browser plug-in. Users must "set" the plug-in (MIME Settings) to handle .mp4 extension. It is turned off during a default install of QT.
A Web visitor (first time visit to a page holding an .mp4) may have the file "download", open in a new browser window or even in a different application other than QT.
Whenever I use MPEG-4 settings in my projects destined for Web use I always use the .mov container.
Next year will bring the first MPEG-4 DVD's and some broadcasters are already using H.264 for set top boxes (convertors for HD signals).
One day the .mov format will seem about as relevant as DOS. We aren't there yet.

Similar Messages

"Incompatible format" when importing H.264 NTSC .mov file

DVD Studio Pro 4.0.3. G5. OS X 10.4.11.
Created a new SD DVD project, NTSC. Tried to import a .mov file: H.264, AAC movie file: H.264 Decoder, 320 x 240, Millions, AAC, Stereo (L R), 32.000 kHz. FPS: 15.
Message: "Incompatible format". Exported to PCM audio, no dice. Exported to DV/DVCPRO and PCM audio, imported OK. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Bob

DVDSP only accepts a fairly narrow range of file types when it comes to importing.
For video, that means files that are in editing codecs (like DV/DVCPro), if you want DVDSP's internal encoder to process them. Otherwise, if you want to encode elsewhere, you must present it with either an MPEG-2 file (usually preferable) or an MPEG-1 file. Since your source file is smaller-than-the-norm frame size, MPEG-1 would have worked for you. Though DVDSP, only accepts 23.98 or 29.97 frame rates in NTSC land. (of course, for PAL projects, 25 fps is cool)
In terms of audio, .aiff or .ac3 are acceptable.

QT movie to H.264

Hello guys,
I am converting QT movie to H.264 using ProRes as intermediate codec. This is the workflow:
from QT movie to ProRes. From ProRes to H.264.
My question is this. If I want to change some settings, like audio or frame controls, do I have to change it only in one step or in both steps? Do I have to change it once in ProRes settings and leave default setting in H.264? Or do I have to change it in ProRes and then again in H.264?
Thank you so much

RobsonBite wrote:
Hello Wally,
Qt movie is just name used by Final Cut Pro for QT file you end up with when exporting your project. Many tutorials suggest to export it as this QT to obtain the best possible picture quality. ProRes is an intermediate codec designed for saving huge amount of rendering time. If I convert it directly into H.264 it takes several hours. Converting it to ProRes and then to H.264 takes about 15 minutes.
Excellent grasp of a complex workflow.
If I want to change some settings, like audio or frame controls, do I have to change it only in one step or in both steps? Do I have to change it once in ProRes settings and leave default setting in H.264? Or do I have to change it in ProRes and then again in H.264?< </div>
You want to make changes only once and target them to your specific needs. In this case, you want to preserve everything in your intermediate that the original has to offer. then you make your framing and audio changes and modifications for your targeted export, regardless of the codec.
If you knew your intermediate was going to be feeding a certain collection of output target, you might want to add some processing to the that step, but not usually. For instance, your original is 1080i with 5.1 audio and say you know your targets are different codecs but they're all 640x480 letterboxed and mono and, umm, black and white. You could export to your intermediate with most of those settings intact. This would save considerable time in the transcoding.
Or did I miss the whole point?
bogiesan

QT 7.2 update and H.264, AAC movies

hi,
after the update i have problems with H.264 compressed movies: i can see all but i hear nothing!
is it my problem or apple's?
has anyone a idea?
thanx for help...
betoni
powerbook G4 / 12' / 867 mhz Mac OS X (10.4.10)

I am experiencing consistent crashes with Quicktime, Safari, Soundtrack Pro and FCP. I can not create a new audio track or open a previously created audio file (or export an audio file from FCP to STP) with out all programs immediately crashing. Also, as with many others, I can not load or view any online quicktime movies without Safari crashing. I have tried most of the suggested fixes without solving this haneous crashing issue.
Any suggestions to solving this work stopping evilness would be greatly appreciated.
G5 (2X) 2.5 Mac OS X (10.4.10) 4Gb RAM, 30" Cinema Display, Geforce 68oo Ultra

Better to convert from H.264 or mpeg4 AVC H.264?

I've read the threads related to the need to convert video shot in both H.264 and mpeg4 AVC H.264 before editing in FCE. But I am wondering if there are any pros or cons on which would result in the better quality.
Do you experts think it makes a difference? Once you use Mpeg Streamslip is it all the same?
I am asking this because those seems to be the available formats for shooting video with the point and shoot cameras currently available. The Canon format is H.264. Nikon s6000 uses the mpeg4 AVC H.264. With the Canon the workflow involves importing the video from the camera using the supplied Canon software, then converting it with Mpeg SS, before importing it into FCE. Log and transfer doesn't work. When I converted the video straight from the SD card with Mpeg SS, the resulting video when imported into Final Cut required rendering. Using the same setting after importing it with the Canon software, does not require rendering.
I just bought the Canon and I am wondering if I exchanged it with the Nikon if I could avoid the intermediate step or if the quality would be any different. Any thoughts?

Yes, sorry, FTR is For The Record, just like FYI is For Your Information. (and that is a smile.)
It must be so frustration for you folks to have to keep explaining this to newbies. I was thinking perhaps this forum needs one of those sticky, permanent answers called "Codec for Dummies." Or Tom you could add a primer to your next edition of the book.
So the proper terminology when referring to H.264 is codec not format? Unfortunately the manufacturers don't help us much. This from the Nikon website:
Movie Modes
Video file format: MPEG-4 AVC H.264
Audio file format: AAC stereo
HD: 1280 x 720p / 30fps
Standard TV: 640 x 480 / 30fps
Small Size: 320 x 240 / 30fps
HDMI output: mini-connector Type C
HDMI cable not included
Now I understand why our techs at work would always say not all Quicktime .mov files are the same whenever I asked what format people should use when sending us digital video!
FTR or FYI, I did an experiment and shot a bit of video at the camera store using the Nikon s6000 on my SD card and just converted it with MPEG streamclip then imported it into FCE directly. It comes in fine with no need to render it, unlike the Canon file where I have to use the Canon software to import it and then, MPEG streamclip and then import it to FCE. Saves a step.
So I am going to take the Canon back and exchange it for the Nikon. (Another reason for me to be a Nikon shooter!
Thanks for your patience.
Nina Zacuto

Audio Dropouts on H.264 Quicktime movies playing from CD ROM or DVD ROM

I've been consistently having trouble getting H.264 .mov files saved on a CD-Rom or DVD-ROM to play back smoothly on Windows computers. The files will open, but there always seems to be sporadic audio dropouts, every 5-10 seconds the audio will drop out for half a second or so. This doesn't appear to be affecting the video.When the files are copied to the hard drive, the problem goes away, and the problem isn't present at all when playing back on Macs (regardless of whether the file is on a disc or on the HD).
I've read elsewhere on this forums that this is perhaps a data-rate problem, but this really doesn't make any sense to me, seeing as these are highly compressed, very small files (5 fps on the video, audio is AAC mono, 32kbps). Unless my understanding of data rate is completely backwards, a DVD Video or Audio CD would have a much higher data-rate. Seeing as Macs have no problem with this, I'm inclined to think it's some sort of problem with Windows' ability to handle AAC audio. If anyone has any experience with this, and/or ideas for a solution, I would greatly appreciate some feeback.
Thanks!

If the problem goes away when the file is copied to the hard drive, then the problem is almost certainly with the data transfer rate from the CD/DVD drive. If the problem were with Windows decoding H.264 and/or AAC, the problem would also appear for files copies to the hard drive. H.264 is a pretty data-intensive format, so it could easily exceed the available data rate of a CD or DVD. (note that file size will make no difference; it's the data rate, which comes from a combination o the image size of the video and the compression of the video and audio tracks) that's the only factor).
Run QuickTime Player, open one of the videos, and open the Movie Inspector for the movie (Window -> Show Movie Inspector). Then take a look at the data rate and compare that to the data rate of your CD/DVD drive. If the drive's rate is lower, you have your answer. If it shows that it should be able to handle the data rate, you may need to update or replace the drivers for your CD/DVD drive and/or update the drive's firmware.
Hope this helps.

If I buy quicktime 7 pro, will it help me load h.264 encoded .mov files in PREL13?

Presently in PREL13, when I attempt to playback any of a group of about 100 video clips all encoded with h.264 in a qt.mov container, they skip or halt, initially the video, then the audio as well. Rendering does not help. I installed the latest version of regular QuickTime, and the video play is the same. I don't need to do any extremely complicated editing here, but I can't really do any if I can't reliably determine start and end points, or really establish video content at all. I cannot pause or seek or really anything. It's possible that my old slow computer just can't hang. Video plays acceptably in QT regular player, seekable, pause/play works fine.
Will there be any advantage to buying the pro version? What would my work flow look like? Could I skip intermediary file steps and work from the original video files?

So unfortunately, I don't know the camera settings.
I only bought quicktime because I thought it would help me work with these videos.
Back to your initial questions shortly. In that regard, what is the file extension of these 100 videos...mov or qt?
The file extension is .mov. I didn't entirely follow the other stuff. As I said, the two programs are reporting different information about the same file.
Additionally, I can report what MediaInfo says about the same file (which seems a little more comprehensive, including for instance that it was shot on a canon, in AVCHD 1080i60:
General
Complete name                            : X:\XXXXX\XXXXX\Clip #1.mov
Format                                   : MPEG-4
Format profile                           : QuickTime
Codec ID                                 : qt
File size                                : 225 MiB
Duration                                 : 3mn 57s
Overall bit rate mode                    : Variable
Overall bit rate                         : 7 946 Kbps
Encoded date                             : UTC 2014-08-08 18:02:58
Tagged date                              : UTC 2014-08-08 18:03:48
Writing library                          : Apple QuickTime
com.apple.proapps.reel                   : CANON
com.apple.proapps.isGood                 : 0
com.apple.proapps.dataSize               : Unknown kind of value!
com.apple.proapps.displayFormat          : 1080i60
com.apple.proapps.shootingRate           : Unknown kind of value!
com.apple.proapps.videoBitrate           : 0
com.apple.proapps.originalFormat         : AVCHD 1080i60
com.apple.proapps.pulldown               : 1
com.apple.proapps.mediaRate              : Unknown kind of value!
com.apple.proapps.timecodeFormat         : 1
com.apple.proapps.numberOfAudioChannels : 2
com.apple.proapps.sampleRate             : 48000
com.apple.proapps.bitsPerSample          : 16
com.apple.quicktime.creationdate         : 2014-07-22T19:18:49-0500
com.apple.proapps.manufacturer           : Canon
com.apple.proapps.clipFileName           : Clip #1
com.apple.proapps.clipID                 : 000000000c68e80029fd297d7dbc45455b176f5a5b1441d8d93257481836befb68ebe0dbe13d88e46d63e6746 972dad41111104706aed608eea1886ad32653b1317dc61a12c5dcdebe674a1920bf58c690cf959c09350c6e
com.apple.proapps.RADSDKVersion          : 3.1
com.apple.proapps.cameraID               : 3D2CB7D4-9473-3E4C-9DE9-257FB8F6BB73
com.apple.proapps.cameraName             : CANON
com.apple.proapps.ingestDate.description : 2014-08-08 14:02:58 -0400
com.apple.quicktime.make                 : Apple
com.apple.quicktime.model                : MacBookPro11,3
com.apple.quicktime.software             : Mac OS X 10.9.4 (13E28)
Video
ID                                       : 1
Format                                   : AVC
Format/Info                              : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile                           : [email protected]
Format settings, CABAC                   : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames                : 2 frames
Format settings, GOP                     : M=3, N=15
Codec ID                                 : avc1
Codec ID/Info                            : Advanced Video Coding
Duration                                 : 3mn 57s
Bit rate mode                            : Variable
Bit rate                                 : 6 362 Kbps
Maximum bit rate                         : 12.0 Mbps
Width                                    : 1 440 pixels
Height                                   : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio                     : 16:9
Frame rate mode                          : Constant
Frame rate                               : 29.970 fps
Color space                              : YUV
Chroma subsampling                       : 4:2:0
Bit depth                                : 8 bits
Scan type                                : Interlaced
Scan type, store method                  : Interleaved fields
Scan order                               : Top Field First
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)                       : 0.136
Stream size                              : 180 MiB (80%)
Title                                    : Core Media Video
Encoded date                             : UTC 2014-08-08 18:02:58
Tagged date                              : UTC 2014-08-08 18:03:48
Color primaries                          : BT.709
Transfer characteristics                 : BT.709
Matrix coefficients                      : BT.709
Audio
ID                                       : 2
Format                                   : PCM
Format settings, Endianness              : Little
Format settings, Sign                    : Signed
Codec ID                                 : sowt
Duration                                 : 3mn 57s
Source duration                          : 3mn 57s
Bit rate mode                            : Constant
Bit rate                                 : 1 536 Kbps
Channel(s)                               : 2 channels
Channel positions                        : Front: L R
Sampling rate                            : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth                                : 16 bits
Stream size                              : 43.5 MiB (19%)
Source stream size                       : 43.5 MiB (19%)
Title                                    : Core Media Audio
Encoded date                             : UTC 2014-08-08 18:02:58
Tagged date                              : UTC 2014-08-08 18:03:48
Other
ID                                       : 3
Type                                     : Time code
Format                                   : QuickTime TC
Duration                                 : 3mn 57s
Time code of first frame                 : 00:00:00;00
Time code, striped                       : Yes
Title                                    : Core Media Time Code
Encoded date                             : UTC 2014-08-08 18:02:58
Tagged date                              : UTC 2014-08-08 18:03:48

H.264 home movie works in FireFox(kind of) not Safari

I've created a website in iWeb which includes a h.264 movie. The movie loads and runs on Firefox as a file(from the desk top) but not at my website. In Safari the movie will not open as a file or at the website. After it tries to load the movie a "?" mark appears. I've tried it on an early MacBook Pro and a new iMac.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
BobM

I think you need QuickTimePro to do this: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/technologies/h264/
But, post in the QuickTime forums also: http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=122
Carolyn

H.264 HD MOV file in dvd studio not importing?

I have an H.264 HD video (1,440 x 1080, 16 x 9). I was able to import into FCp and export out to quicktime successfully yet when I attempt to import this file into DVD Studio it shuts down as it tries to import, throwing an error? Any ideas.

I'm having the same problem when attempting to produce an HD DVD as recommended by Rick Young.
I have no difficulty in burning an HD DVD using MPEG compression, but I'm unable to get DVDSP to accept an H264 file created using compressor (H264 for DVDSP setting). The .mov file when brought into DVDSP4 is seen only as an audio file; it plays as video in QT and also in iDVD as expected. Can anyone point me in the right direction, please?
Geoff

After Effects render constraints for .mov with h.264 codec maximum dimensions 2000px x 2000px?

Is there anyway I can create .mov container with h.264 codec with dimensions 3840px by 1080px? When I try rendering from AE it lowers dimensions to under 2000px. Same thing happens when I try to save as from Quicktime. Programs I have access to are Premiere Pro, After Effects, Adobe Media Encoder, and Final Cut.
Thank you for your help.

Yes, It does seem to be mutliple LDCs. They asked for a final output video as 3840x1080. The requirements are this and they finally sent this display.
Basic Requirements
Ensure the resolution of the file (width and height in pixels) matches the specs provided exactly, even small deviations can result in poor quality playback or no playback at all
.MOV animations must use H.264 encoding
We recommend 15fps (frames per second) for animation
File size should be roughly 1 Megabyte per second or less, i.e. a 10 second .MOV file should be 10MB or less.
Thank you for your help, I will ask on the other forum.

Playing H.264/AAC MOV files on G4 1ghz Powerbook

Hi all,
I'm not sure which forum is best for this question. I have a series of training videos, QuickTime mov format, that I need to watch for my work. Unfortunately my computer is only a G4, 1Ghz which doesn't seem to be able to handle the files. The audio plays fine, but the video only plays about 1 frame in every 100 or so.
When I view the info on the MOV files it indicates that the file uses Codecs H.264, ACC. Some initial research I did indicates that I need a dual processor to playback these files.
I'm wondering if there is a way to convert this MOV to another Codec so that I can play them on my computer.
Any and all input is much appreciated.

When I view the info on the MOV files it indicates that the file uses Codecs H.264, ACC. Some initial research I did indicates that I need a dual processor to playback these files.
You will need a dual processor to best view HD video. They will still play on a single processor but the playback will be slow and stutter (as you have noticed).
You can try Handbrake or VLC and see if they will convert to lower framerate/quality

Error trying to convert .mov to H.264 (mp4) for vimeo upload

Hi.
I have a 25 minute long sequence which is 1920x1080. I already exported a .mov file (49 GB) with out changing any settings and it plays back perfect.
I want to upload this to vimeo as high quality as possible. They suggest H.264 (mp4) and a whole string of other optimal settings. When I exported from FCP with their requested settings the result was a glitchy/pixelated mess which I would be embarrassed to show. I have seen a lot of high quality movies on vimeo, so i know it's possible to have it look better.
I tried next to use a variety of conversion programs to convert the .mov file to H.264/mp4. mpegstreamclip and Emicsoft MTS converter both gave me problems. I also tried to "save as" from quicktime and also ran into quality problems.
I just tried using Compressor, and after 3 hours got this error:
<log tms="322005617.336" tmt="03/16/2011 15:00:17.336" pid="1309" msg="QuickTiime Transcode, rendering in YUV 8 bit 422"/>
<log tms="322014690.338" tmt="03/16/2011 17:31:30.338" pid="1309" msg="Time for QuickTime transcode: 9072.86 seconds. status = -2125"/>
<log tms="322014690.433" tmt="03/16/2011 17:31:30.433" pid="1309" msg="Done _processRequest for job target: file://localhost/Users/ufoliver2/Desktop/THEPIXELSUTRAFULLPOWER-H.264.mov"/>
<mrk tms="322014690.459" tmt="03/16/2011 17:31:30.459" pid="1309" kind="end" what="service-request" req-id="78FD1610-98B0-479B-9951-9B24656E0CF2:1" msg="Processing service request error: QuickTime could not access a file. Offset too big."></mrk>
What could be the problem?
THANKS!
Oliver

if the movie you exported is self-contained, not a reference movie it is not referencing your original files. Try putting it on the external, and render to the external too. I hope the Lacie is a 7200 drive and firewire, NOT usb.
For testing purposes you could use quicktime pro and cut out a small 30 second or 1 minute section, and see if compressor will process that - then do your whole movie

How do I batch convert a group of Quicktime movies to H.264

I want to know the best way to batch convert movies in Quicktime Pro with H.264 compression and save as a .mov file?
Thanks in advance for reading and replying to my post,
Sebastian

I want to know the best way to batch convert movies in Quicktime Pro with H.264 compression and save as a .mov file?
The QT Pro Player is not, in and of itself, a batch processing application. You can, however, parallel process your files easily enough. Simple open your additional source files and set up your export options for each. As each new export begings, a new progress bar will appear in your export window. If you wish true sequential batch processing, use an application like MPEG Streamclip (free) as your "front end" to access the QT structure for exportation.

.mov to h.264 not keeping original size

I have a .mov that is 3840x2160 and that's what it should be. I need to convert it to h.264 and keep the 3840x2160. I have tried several things and it always renders to 1920 x 1080. How do I get it to render to the 3840x2160?
Thanks

What would those "several things" be that you've already tried?
It wouldn't hurt to know something about the project, your machine, and other things, either:
FAQ: What information should I provide when asking a question on this forum?

AE7: Kein "weiß" bei Export mit .MOV Codec H.264 darstellbar?

Hallo zusammen!
Habe folgendes "Problem":
Wenn ich eine Komposition mit weißem Hintergrund unkomprimiert in AVI exportiere ist alles wie gewünscht.
Sobald ich die gleiche Koposition im MOV Format mit dem H.264 Codec exportiere, wird weiß nicht mehr als weiß dargestellt, sondern als ein helles grau (#ECECEC). Alles in allem ist das Bild viel kontrast- und farbärmer.
(AE 7 Pro)
Hat jemand eine Idee wieso?
THANX
Gruß
Dave

Habe mal ein paar Sekunden Farbfläche weiss in die Renderliste genommen, das gerenderte H.264 is total weiss

H.264 in mov vs. h.264 in mp4

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