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Changed all link names from the section number to a sensible label. Section numbers were 2.3.2.1. in the section names and 2.3.2.1 in the TOC. I settled for the former everywhere. "Misc OS" is now called "Ports". Checked all internal links, some of them were falsely pointing to renumbered sections. This should no longer happen. And in case some of you think "This must have been a lot of work!", that does not even begin to describe it...
author diego
date Sun, 04 Aug 2002 22:13:09 +0000
parents f3f87f6bf5cf
children 87deea511b1f
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12 12
13 <P><B><A NAME=2.1>2.1. Supported formats</A></B></P> 13 <P><B><A NAME="formats">2.1 Supported formats</A></B></P>
14 14
15 <P>It is important to clarify a common mistake. When people see a file with a 15 <P>It is important to clarify a common mistake. When people see a file with a
16 <B>.AVI</B> extension, they immediately conclude that it is not an MPEG file. 16 <B>.AVI</B> extension, they immediately conclude that it is not an MPEG file.
17 That is not true. At least not entirely. Contrary to popular belief such a file 17 That is not true. At least not entirely. Contrary to popular belief such a file
18 <B>can</B> contain MPEG1 video.</P> 18 <B>can</B> contain MPEG1 video.</P>
29 Or you might put MPEG1 video into an AVI file. <A HREF="http://ffmpeg.sourceforge.net">FFmpeg</A> 29 Or you might put MPEG1 video into an AVI file. <A HREF="http://ffmpeg.sourceforge.net">FFmpeg</A>
30 and <A HREF="encoding.html">MEncoder</A> can create these files.</P> 30 and <A HREF="encoding.html">MEncoder</A> can create these files.</P>
31 31
32 32
33 33
34 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1>2.1.1. Video formats</A></B></P> 34 <P><B><A NAME="video_formats">2.1.1 Video formats</A></B></P>
35 35
36 36
37 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.1>2.1.1.1. MPEG files</A></B></P> 37 <P><B><A NAME="mpeg">2.1.1.1 MPEG files</A></B></P>
38 38
39 <P>MPEG files come in different guises:</P> 39 <P>MPEG files come in different guises:</P>
40 40
41 <UL> 41 <UL>
42 <LI>MPG: This is the most <B>basic</B> form of the MPEG file formats. It contains 42 <LI>MPG: This is the most <B>basic</B> form of the MPEG file formats. It contains
46 DAT files cannot be played nor copied from VCDs as regular files. You have 46 DAT files cannot be played nor copied from VCDs as regular files. You have
47 to use the <CODE>-vcd</CODE> option to play the Video CD.</LI> 47 to use the <CODE>-vcd</CODE> option to play the Video CD.</LI>
48 <LI>VOB: This is the MPEG file format on <B>DVD</B>s. It is the same as MPG, plus the 48 <LI>VOB: This is the MPEG file format on <B>DVD</B>s. It is the same as MPG, plus the
49 capability to contain subtitles or non-MPEG (AC3) audio. It contains encoded MPEG2 49 capability to contain subtitles or non-MPEG (AC3) audio. It contains encoded MPEG2
50 video and usually AC3 audio, but DTS, MP2 and uncompressed LPCM are allowed, too.<BR> 50 video and usually AC3 audio, but DTS, MP2 and uncompressed LPCM are allowed, too.<BR>
51 <B>Read the <A HREF="cd-dvd.html#4.2">DVD section</A> !</B></LI> 51 <B>Read the <A HREF="cd-dvd.html#dvd">DVD section</A> !</B></LI>
52 </UL> 52 </UL>
53 53
54 <P>Series of frames form independent groups in MPEG files. This means that you 54 <P>Series of frames form independent groups in MPEG files. This means that you
55 can cut/join an MPEG file with standard file tools (like <CODE>dd</CODE>, 55 can cut/join an MPEG file with standard file tools (like <CODE>dd</CODE>,
56 <CODE>cut</CODE>), and it remains completely functional.</P> 56 <CODE>cut</CODE>), and it remains completely functional.</P>
60 480x480 resolution video, and in the header that field is set to 4:3, so that 60 480x480 resolution video, and in the header that field is set to 4:3, so that
61 it is played at 640x480. AVI files do not have this field, so they have to be 61 it is played at 640x480. AVI files do not have this field, so they have to be
62 rescaled during encoding or played with the <CODE>-aspect</CODE> option.</P> 62 rescaled during encoding or played with the <CODE>-aspect</CODE> option.</P>
63 63
64 64
65 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.2>2.1.1.2. AVI files</A></B></P> 65 <P><B><A NAME="avi">2.1.1.2 AVI files</A></B></P>
66 66
67 <P>Designed by Microsoft, <B>AVI (Audio Video Interleaved)</B> is a 67 <P>Designed by Microsoft, <B>AVI (Audio Video Interleaved)</B> is a
68 widespread multipurpose format currently used mostly for DivX and DivX4 68 widespread multipurpose format currently used mostly for DivX and DivX4
69 video. It has many known drawbacks and shortcomings (for example in streaming). 69 video. It has many known drawbacks and shortcomings (for example in streaming).
70 It supports one video stream and 0 to 99 audio streams. File size is limited to 70 It supports one video stream and 0 to 99 audio streams. File size is limited to
115 uncommon and the Microsoft AVI specs only describe CBR audio. Most AVI 115 uncommon and the Microsoft AVI specs only describe CBR audio. Most AVI
116 encoders/multiplexers create bad files when using VBR audio. There are only 116 encoders/multiplexers create bad files when using VBR audio. There are only
117 two known exceptions: NanDub and <A HREF="encoding.html">MEncoder</A>.</P> 117 two known exceptions: NanDub and <A HREF="encoding.html">MEncoder</A>.</P>
118 118
119 119
120 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.3>2.1.1.3. ASF/WMV files</A></B></P> 120 <P><B><A NAME="asf">2.1.1.3 ASF/WMV files</A></B></P>
121 121
122 <P>ASF (active streaming format) comes from Microsoft. They developed two 122 <P>ASF (active streaming format) comes from Microsoft. They developed two
123 variants of ASF, v1.0 and v2.0. v1.0 is used by their media tools (Windows 123 variants of ASF, v1.0 and v2.0. v1.0 is used by their media tools (Windows
124 Media Player and Windows Media Encoder) and is very secret. v2.0 is published 124 Media Player and Windows Media Encoder) and is very secret. v2.0 is published
125 and patented :). Of course they differ, there is no compatibility at all (it is 125 and patented :). Of course they differ, there is no compatibility at all (it is
126 just another legal game). <B>MPlayer</B> supports only v1.0, as nobody has ever seen 126 just another legal game). <B>MPlayer</B> supports only v1.0, as nobody has ever seen
127 v2.0 files :). Note that ASF files nowadays come with the extension .WMA or 127 v2.0 files :). Note that ASF files nowadays come with the extension .WMA or
128 .WMV.</P> 128 .WMV.</P>
129 129
130 130
131 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.4>2.1.1.4. QuickTime/MOV files</A></B></P> 131 <P><B><A NAME="mov">2.1.1.4 QuickTime/MOV files</A></B></P>
132 132
133 <P>These formats were designed by Apple and can contain any codec, CBR or VBR. 133 <P>These formats were designed by Apple and can contain any codec, CBR or VBR.
134 They usually have a .QT or .MOV extension. Ever since the MPEG4 group chose 134 They usually have a .QT or .MOV extension. Ever since the MPEG4 group chose
135 QuickTime as the recommended file format for MPEG4, their MOV files come with a 135 QuickTime as the recommended file format for MPEG4, their MOV files come with a
136 .MPG or .MP4 extension (Interestingly the video and audio streams in these 136 .MPG or .MP4 extension (Interestingly the video and audio streams in these
137 files are real MPG and AAC files. You can even extract them with the 137 files are real MPG and AAC files. You can even extract them with the
138 <CODE>-dumpvideo</CODE> and <CODE>-dumpaudio</CODE> options.).</P> 138 <CODE>-dumpvideo</CODE> and <CODE>-dumpaudio</CODE> options.).</P>
139 139
140 <P><B>Note:</B> Most new QuickTime files use <B>Sorenson</B> video and QDesign 140 <P><B>Note:</B> Most new QuickTime files use <B>Sorenson</B> video and QDesign
141 Music audio. See our <A HREF="codecs.html#2.2.1.10">Sorenson</A> codec 141 Music audio. See our <A HREF="codecs.html#sorenson">Sorenson</A> codec
142 section. QDesign Music audio currently cannot be played.</P> 142 section. QDesign Music audio currently cannot be played.</P>
143 143
144 144
145 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.5>2.1.1.5. VIVO files</A></B></P> 145 <P><B><A NAME="vivo">2.1.1.5 VIVO files</A></B></P>
146 146
147 <P><B>MPlayer</B> happily demuxes VIVO file formats. The biggest disadvantage of 147 <P><B>MPlayer</B> happily demuxes VIVO file formats. The biggest disadvantage of
148 the format is that it has no index block, nor a fixed packet size or sync bytes 148 the format is that it has no index block, nor a fixed packet size or sync bytes
149 and most files lack even keyframes, so forget seeking!</P> 149 and most files lack even keyframes, so forget seeking!</P>
150 150
151 <P>The video codec of VIVO/1.0 files is standard <B>h.263</B>. The video codec 151 <P>The video codec of VIVO/1.0 files is standard <B>h.263</B>. The video codec
152 of VIVO/2.0 files is a modified, nonstandard <B>h.263v2</B>. The audio is the same, 152 of VIVO/2.0 files is a modified, nonstandard <B>h.263v2</B>. The audio is the same,
153 it may be <B>g.723</B> (standard), or <B>Vivo Siren</B>.</P> 153 it may be <B>g.723</B> (standard), or <B>Vivo Siren</B>.</P>
154 154
155 <P>See the <A HREF="codecs.html#2.2.1.4">VIVO video codec</A> 155 <P>See the <A HREF="codecs.html#vivo_video">VIVO video codec</A>
156 and <A HREF="codecs.html#2.2.2.4">VIVO audio codec</A> sections for installation 156 and <A HREF="codecs.html#vivo_audio">VIVO audio codec</A> sections for installation
157 instructions.</P> 157 instructions.</P>
158 158
159 159
160 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.6>2.1.1.6. FLI files</A></B></P> 160 <P><B><A NAME="fli">2.1.1.6 FLI files</A></B></P>
161 161
162 <P><B>FLI</B> is a very old file format used by Autodesk Animator, but it is 162 <P><B>FLI</B> is a very old file format used by Autodesk Animator, but it is
163 a common file format for short animations on the net. <B>MPlayer</B> demuxes 163 a common file format for short animations on the net. <B>MPlayer</B> demuxes
164 and decodes FLI movies and is even able to seek within them (useful when 164 and decodes FLI movies and is even able to seek within them (useful when
165 looping with the <CODE>-loop</CODE> option). FLI files do not have keyframes, so the picture 165 looping with the <CODE>-loop</CODE> option). FLI files do not have keyframes, so the picture
166 will be messy for a short time after seeking.</P> 166 will be messy for a short time after seeking.</P>
167 167
168 168
169 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.7>2.1.1.7. RealMedia (RM) files</A></B></P> 169 <P><B><A NAME="real">2.1.1.7 RealMedia (RM) files</A></B></P>
170 170
171 <P>Yes, <B>MPlayer</B> can read (demux) RealMedia (.rm) files. Seeking works, 171 <P>Yes, <B>MPlayer</B> can read (demux) RealMedia (.rm) files. Seeking works,
172 but you have to explicitly specify the <CODE>-forceidx</CODE> option 172 but you have to explicitly specify the <CODE>-forceidx</CODE> option
173 (the format supports keyframes). Here are the lists of the supported 173 (the format supports keyframes). Here are the lists of the supported
174 <A HREF="codecs.html#2.2.1.8">RealVideo</A> 174 <A HREF="codecs.html#realvideo">RealVideo</A>
175 and <A HREF="codecs.html#2.2.2.5">RealAudio</A> codecs.</P> 175 and <A HREF="codecs.html#realaudio">RealAudio</A> codecs.</P>
176 176
177 177
178 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.8>2.1.1.8. NuppelVideo files</A></B></P> 178 <P><B><A NAME="nuppelvideo">2.1.1.8 NuppelVideo files</A></B></P>
179 179
180 <P><A HREF="http://mars.tuwien.ac.at/~roman/nuppelvideo">NuppelVideo</A> 180 <P><A HREF="http://mars.tuwien.ac.at/~roman/nuppelvideo">NuppelVideo</A>
181 is a TV grabber tool (AFAIK:). <B>MPlayer</B> can read its .NUV 181 is a TV grabber tool (AFAIK:). <B>MPlayer</B> can read its .NUV
182 files (only NuppelVideo 5.0). Those files can contain uncompressed YV12, 182 files (only NuppelVideo 5.0). Those files can contain uncompressed YV12,
183 YV12+RTJpeg compressed, YV12 RTJpeg+lzo compressed, and YV12+lzo compressed 183 YV12+RTJpeg compressed, YV12 RTJpeg+lzo compressed, and YV12+lzo compressed
184 frames. <B>MPlayer</B> decodes them all (and also <B>encodes</B> them with 184 frames. <B>MPlayer</B> decodes them all (and also <B>encodes</B> them with
185 <B>MEncoder</B> to DivX/etc!). Seeking works.</P> 185 <B>MEncoder</B> to DivX/etc!). Seeking works.</P>
186 186
187 187
188 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.9>2.1.1.9. yuv4mpeg files</A></B></P> 188 <P><B><A NAME="yuv4mpeg">2.1.1.9 yuv4mpeg files</A></B></P>
189 189
190 <P><A HREF="http://mjpeg.sourceforge.net">yuv4mpeg / yuv4mpeg2</A> is 190 <P><A HREF="http://mjpeg.sourceforge.net">yuv4mpeg / yuv4mpeg2</A> is
191 a file format used by the <A HREF="http://mjpeg.sf.net">mjpegtools programs</A>. 191 a file format used by the <A HREF="http://mjpeg.sf.net">mjpegtools programs</A>.
192 You can grab, produce, filter or encode video in this format using these tools. 192 You can grab, produce, filter or encode video in this format using these tools.
193 The file format is really a sequence of uncompressed YUV 4:2:0 images. 193 The file format is really a sequence of uncompressed YUV 4:2:0 images.
194 </P> 194 </P>
195 195
196 196
197 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.10>2.1.1.10. FILM files</A></B></P> 197 <P><B><A NAME="film">2.1.1.10 FILM files</A></B></P>
198 198
199 <P>This format is used on old Sega Saturn CD-Rom games.</P> 199 <P>This format is used on old Sega Saturn CD-Rom games.</P>
200 200
201 201
202 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.11>2.1.1.11. RoQ files</A></B></P> 202 <P><B><A NAME="roq">2.1.1.11 RoQ files</A></B></P>
203 203
204 <P>RoQ files are multimedia files used in some ID games such as Quake III and 204 <P>RoQ files are multimedia files used in some ID games such as Quake III and
205 Return to Castle Wolfenstein.</P> 205 Return to Castle Wolfenstein.</P>
206 206
207 207
208 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.1.12>2.1.1.12. OGG files</A></B></P> 208 <P><B><A NAME="ogg">2.1.1.12 OGG files</A></B></P>
209 209
210 <P>This is a new file format from <A HREF="http://www.xiph.org">Xiphophorus</A>. 210 <P>This is a new file format from <A HREF="http://www.xiph.org">Xiphophorus</A>.
211 It can contain any video or audio codec, CBR or VBR. You will need to 211 It can contain any video or audio codec, CBR or VBR. You will need to
212 have <CODE>libogg</CODE> and <CODE>libvorbis</CODE> installed 212 have <CODE>libogg</CODE> and <CODE>libvorbis</CODE> installed
213 before compiling <B>MPlayer</B> to be able to play it.</P> 213 before compiling <B>MPlayer</B> to be able to play it.</P>
214 214
215 215
216 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.2>2.1.2. Audio formats</A></B></P> 216 <P><B><A NAME="audio_formats">2.1.2 Audio formats</A></B></P>
217 217
218 <P><B>MPlayer</B> is a <B>Movie</B> and not a <B>Media</B> player, although 218 <P><B>MPlayer</B> is a <B>Movie</B> and not a <B>Media</B> player, although
219 it can play some audio file formats (they are listed in the sections below). 219 it can play some audio file formats (they are listed in the sections below).
220 This is not a recommended usage of <B>MPlayer</B>, you better use 220 This is not a recommended usage of <B>MPlayer</B>, you better use
221 <A HREF="http://www.xmms.org">xmms</A>.</P> 221 <A HREF="http://www.xmms.org">xmms</A>.</P>
222 222
223 223
224 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.2.1>2.1.2.1. MP3 files</A></B></P> 224 <P><B><A NAME="mp3">2.1.2.1 MP3 files</A></B></P>
225 225
226 <P>You may have problems playing certain MP3 files that <B>MPlayer</B> will 226 <P>You may have problems playing certain MP3 files that <B>MPlayer</B> will
227 misdetect as MPEGs and play incorrectly or not at all. This cannot be fixed 227 misdetect as MPEGs and play incorrectly or not at all. This cannot be fixed
228 without dropping support for certain broken MPEG files and thus will remain 228 without dropping support for certain broken MPEG files and thus will remain
229 like this for the foreseeable future. The <CODE>-demuxer</CODE> flag described 229 like this for the foreseeable future. The <CODE>-demuxer</CODE> flag described
230 in the manpage may help you in these cases.</P> 230 in the manpage may help you in these cases.</P>
231 231
232 232
233 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.2.2>2.1.2.2. WAV files</A></B></P> 233 <P><B><A NAME="wav">2.1.2.2 WAV files</A></B></P>
234 234
235 235
236 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.2.3>2.1.2.3. OGG files (Vorbis)</A></B></P> 236 <P><B><A NAME="ogg_vorbis">2.1.2.3 OGG files (Vorbis)</A></B></P>
237 237
238 <P>Requires properly installed <CODE>libogg</CODE> and 238 <P>Requires properly installed <CODE>libogg</CODE> and
239 <CODE>libvorbis</CODE>.</P> 239 <CODE>libvorbis</CODE>.</P>
240 240
241 241
242 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.2.4>2.1.2.4. WMA/ASF files</A></B></P> 242 <P><B><A NAME="wma">2.1.2.4 WMA/ASF files</A></B></P>
243 243
244 244
245 <P><B><A NAME=2.1.2.5>2.1.2.5. MP4 files</A></B></P> 245 <P><B><A NAME="mp4">2.1.2.5 MP4 files</A></B></P>
246 246
247 </BODY> 247 </BODY>
248 </HTML> 248 </HTML>