A digital video file usually consists of two parts. These two parts are called the "Container" and the "Codec". The distinction between codecs and container file formats is often ambiguous. And they are frequently and mistakenly used interchangeably. This page attempts to clarify this distinction briefly and without going into technical details.

What is a codec?

Simply put, a codec is a method for encoding and decoding data and more specifically, a protocol for compressing data, especially video. There are many codecs available out there, each with their strengths, weaknesses and peculiarities, and choosing the right codec with the right settings for the right situation is close to be a form of art in itself. Currently h.264 is the predominant codec on the web.

What is a container?

In comparison, a container is what holds the grouping of compressed video as defined by the codec. A container is also referred to as a format. The container takes care of packaging, transport, and presentation. Containers "contain" the various components of a video: the stream of images, the sound, and anything else. For example, you could have multiple soundtracks and subtitles included in a video file, if the container format allows it. Example of popular containers are OGG, Matroska, AVI, MPEG.

While there are literally hundreds of container/codec combinations, there are two predominant pairings. The MPEG4 container with the h.264 gained widespread popularity after it was adopted as the leading format for iOS devices. Similarly, Google's support for the WebM container and the VP8 codec in the chrome browser ushered in an era of popularity for this combo.

As the digital video landscape evolves, so do the types of codecs and containers. This evolution is usually marked by increased quality and lower file sizes. As screen size and resolutions increase, an evolution that makes containers and codecs more efficient is only natural. That's why we're working hard to offer support for the latest broadcast codecs including MPEG2 TS, Avid DNxHS, Apple ProResHD, Sony HDCAM/XDCAM, and Panasonic DVCProHD.

So there you have it. Now that you understand the differences between codecs and containers, you can work towards finding one that best suits your video project. If you want to learn more about containers and codecs, you should probably look at Wikipedia's page on containers and codecs.

The relationship between containers and codecs

Video and Audio Files Glossary

ISO | MP4 | AVI | MKV | MOV | WMV | VOB | ProRes | WebM | H.264/MPEG-4 AVC | H.265/HEVC | FLV | AVCHD | M3U8

Best Video/Codec Converter

We're sure at some point of time you must've certainly seen this message somewhere “Video File Format Not Supported”. Yes, we can understand your pain! This single alert message is enough to kill our Yay-lets-watch-a-movie mood. There are many reasons why we require a video converter software to deal with such complex situations of our life.

Not just for converting a particular file format, a video converter progarm is more capable than you think. You can easily edit your special memories, make a video collage or maybe reduce the size of video if you're having storage issues. Now you no longer need to rush to an expert for performing these minor tweaks. All you need is a power packed tool to convert videos which can perform all such useful tasks and make your life easy instantly.

If you are seeking for the best video output quality, fastest video conversion speed, and the most formats supported, EaseFab Video Converter Ultimate will be your best choice. Also it has other features that will impress you!

- Rip/convert commercial Blu-ray/DVD with copy & region code protection
- Convert common or uncommon video like H.265/HEVC, MXF, XAVC/XAVC S, -AVCHD, etc to virtually any file formats
- Create SBS/TAB/Anaglyph 3D video from 3D Blu-ray, 2D Blu-ray/DVD/video files
- Output Blu-ray/DVD/video to various device and program preset profile formats
- Adjust output profile parameters: codec, size, bit rate, frame rate, resolution, sample rate, channels, etc
- Versatile video editing functions: rotate, trim, merge, split, watermark, effect, subtitles, etc.