If you are a hardcore anime fan (not like me), or just a casual (also not like me), you probably seen fansub groups release episodes in two formats – H.264 and Xvid. At first glance, there is really no difference. However, if you take a better look, both formats are highly different, and they have become rivals of each other. Who’s side to take? After this post, you will know,

When were these codecs released?

H.264 is the oldest and came out back in September of 2004, competing with Divx. (Xvid wasn’t thought of as yet ) Later in 2005, Xvid was created to compete with Divx. Over time, both codecs clashed with each other leaving both as optimal choice for pretty much anything video.

Stories?

H.264 was created to keep video quality high while lowering birates, and increasing the compression on videos, and to improve on previous codecs such as H.263, and MPEG-2 so it can be used in a variety of videos not only saving quality, but space.

Xvid on the other hand was created to be open-source, and free from Divx. However, the source code of Divx had restricted access. The codec was rewritten with an improved encoding core called encore2. This was updated several times, and released. However, the codec is not available from their site due to patent issues.

How do I play these encoded files?

Both will play if you install a codec pack that includes the DirectShow decoding-only filters. H.264 should be playable after the install of a codec pack, but it has been taken for use in various devices such as Blu-ray discs, High-Def DVDs, as well as broadcasting in Europe, so any player that uses its only codecs and profiles should play it. (i.e. VLC Media Player)

How does size compare?

Well, if you looked at an anime release of H.264 and Xvid side by side, you will know the obvious difference. With the compression used in H.264, encoded videos has sometimes managed to come away which a few less megabytes then Xvid. However, sometimes depending on the video, Xvid can prevail on top. Let’s take Itazura Na Kiss 11 for example: *Keep in mind that these are the fully downloaded episode not in an archive or anything.*

06-17 . 01:55	Itazura na Kiss 11 – h264 version	BakaWolf & m.3.3.w	140.6 Mb.
06-17 . 01:55	Itazura na Kiss 11 – XviD version	BakaWolf & m.3.3.w	170.2 Mb.

Source:http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1196.html

As you can see, this obviously put H.264 and Xvid at competition at each other. Even though H.264 will sweep Xvid in terms of size due to its awesome compression, as well as quality, but Xvid has its advantages here and there. Keep checking up on both codecs and see if any updates can put either in the lead. Until then, keep the anime rolling.

Related posts:

1. Bakka-Wolf/M.3.3.W. – Meet its troll, M.3.0.W
2. CCCP vs. K-Lite : Reference
3. Itazura Na Kiss 12/ Special A 12 – Bakka-Wolf/M.3.3.W

Filed under: Anime, epdemon's Blogging