Convert H264 to 265
About H264
This is not a playable video file, but a raw video stream encoded with the H.264 (also known as AVC) codec. H.264 is the most widely used video codec on the planet, found in everything from Blu-ray discs to web streaming. A raw .h264 file is the pure video data without any audio or container information. It must be 'muxed' into a container like MP4 to be widely playable.
About 265
This is a raw video stream encoded with the H.265/HEVC codec, using the '.265' file extension. It is functionally identical to a '.hevc' file. It contains the highly compressed video data without any audio or container information. It is used in professional workflows before the final video file is assembled.
H264 vs 265
| Feature | H264 | 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | false | false |
| Subtitle Support | false | false |
| DRM Support | false | false |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 5 |
| Patent Status | patented | heavily patented |
| Year Introduced | 2003 | 2013 |
| Developed By | ITU-T/ISO/IEC | ITU-T/ISO/IEC |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between H.264 and MP4?
H.264 is the codec—the algorithm that compresses the video. MP4 is the container—the 'box' that holds the H.264 compressed video, an audio track, and subtitles. Think of H.264 as the book's content and MP4 as the book's cover and binding.
How do I play a .h264 file?
Most standard media players cannot play raw .h264 streams. You would typically need a specialized player like VLC or use a tool like FFmpeg to combine it with an audio stream into a standard MP4 or MKV container file.
Why do some files use .265 instead of .hevc?
It is simply an alternative file extension for the same type of raw H.265 video stream. There is no technical difference.
Is a .265 file smaller than a .264 file?
Yes, for the same source video at the same visual quality, the .265 file will be significantly smaller (often about half the size) than the .264 file, thanks to the superior compression efficiency of the H.265/HEVC codec.
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