Stephanie's+expanded+criteria

14. Format of files produced.

Some terms used for movie files can be very confusing for the uninitiated: codecs, wrappers and container formats. All 3 devices list MPEG-4/H.264 as being the video file format produced, MPEG-4 refers to a standard of container or wrapper and H.264 refers to the codec. The codec is the chief component that determines the quality of file produced (Treet TV, 2011) there is no cause for comparison on this point as all the devices use the same H.264 (high definition video) codec. Where the devices differ however is on the wrapper. Both the Sony Bloggie and the iPod touch use MP4 File Format (with the extension .mp4) and the Zoom uses QuickTime File Format (QTFF with the extension .mov). The two files are virtually interchangeable in an Apple environment as QuickTime is an Apple proprietary program. Treet TV (2011) states that QTFF is “one of the most advanced containers in the world” but its major setback is it is poorly supported by Microsoft Windows which is the world’s most popular operating system. In fact, MP4 was developed directly from QTFF to be an international standard and is the most supported video container. Both .mp4 and .mov files are supported by YouTube but .mov files are generally unsupported by other proprietary devices such as DVD, Blu-ray or handheld media players. The Zoom q3hd is therefore the least versatile device on file format produced from the Sony Bloggie and the iPod touch (ironically an Apple product).

__References __ Treet TV. (2011). //Codecs and containers//. Retrieved from [] on 9 September 2011.