Fifteen years ago, I remember talking with colleagues about a future world of multimedia where our TVs, video disc players, computers, camcorders, and portable media players would all share video using common digital formats, media, and connections. Today, we’re finally at a point where we can see the pieces coming together to form a naturally expanding ecosystem based on a common digital video encoding format: H.264.
The Benefits of a Common Format
A common encoding format enables content created for one type of device to be easily delivered or adapted to another. A standard open format drives competition and reduces the cost of devices, thereby expanding the addressable market in a virtuous cycle. With a common format, consumers and businesses are encouraged to create and share more media, knowing that broad distribution and consumption is possible. Because of this, consumers, media companies, and vendors alike all benefit from increased growth, innovation, and choice.
This is an excerpt from an article published in the Oct/Nov edition of Streaming Media Magazine. To read this article in its entirety, please visit: http://www.streamingmedia.com/article.asp?id=9695
