Choosing mpeg 4 or mpeg 2 versions from Archive.org for use w/ FCPX

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Level 1

32 points

Choosing mpeg 4 or mpeg 2 versions from Archive.org for use w/ FCPX

Hi

On Archive.org are films with different versions one can download. I'm trying to make a choice of which version is best to use with FCPX. Often there is the choice between a "HiRes MPEG 4" and "MPEG 2". Invariably, the "HiRes MPEG 4" version is a smaller, sometimes way smaller, file than the "MPEG 2" version.

I've sometimes downloaded both versions and visually it's not so clear.

Do you think it's true that the smaller, so-called "HiRes MPEG 4" is a superior video than the "MPEG 2"? If so, why?

Btw, would converting whichever I choose to a more friendly format using MPEG Streamclip be smart?

elmer

MacBook Pro 2.66 ghz, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Dec 3, 2012 12:04 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

dastoelk

Level 3

704 points

Dec 3, 2012 1:00 PM in response to elmerlang

I can speak to this, as I use Prelinger quite often.

MPEG2 is "richer." More info. Granted your processor works harder to crunch the billions-more "oh's" and "ones," but, but it's worth it. MPEG4 is highly compressed.

And, regarding "conversion..." I've had good luck just ingesting it straight into FCPX. It transcodes / optimizes. And I, personally, haven't had any problems.

Good luck.

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Answer 2

elmerlang Author

Level 1

32 points

Dec 3, 2012 1:55 PM in response to dastoelk

Thx!

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