Compression is the process of lowering the data content of a file by removing redundant or unnecessary information, such as repetitive frames or pixels that are not easily distinguishable. The goal is to reduce file size while maintaining acceptable video quality which is crucial for efficient storage, faster network transmission, and improved streaming.
Lossless compression is often preferred for archival purposes as it guarantees that no data is lost, allowing for video post production or re-encoding without any loss in quality. However, the larger file sizes associated with lossless compression can be a drawback when it comes to storage and transmission.
Lossy compression, on the other hand, is widely used for streaming videos or distributing content over the internet due to its ability to significantly reduce file sizes. The difference is barely noticeable to the average viewer, although there may be a slight trade-off in quality.
How to transcode video
I have been using HandBrake for over 3 years and in my experience it is the easiest, fastest and most intuitive tool available. Created by a group of volunteers in 2003, HandBrake can convert video from almost any format to modern codecs by analysing the original video file and creating a new file with new parameters. It supports settings such as resolution, frame rate, bit rate and codec.
