Convert H264 to 3GP
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 3GP
3GP is a multimedia container format designed for older 3G mobile phones to enable them to capture and play video. The format was optimized for low-bandwidth networks and devices with limited processing power and storage. As a result, 3GP files have very small dimensions and low video and audio quality by modern standards.
H264 vs 3GP
| Feature | H264 | 3GP |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | false | true |
| Subtitle Support | false | false |
| DRM Support | false | false |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 1 |
| Patent Status | patented | industry standard |
| Year Introduced | 2003 | 1999 |
| Developed By | ITU-T/ISO/IEC | 3GPP |
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 is the quality of 3GP video so low?
The quality is low by design. The format was created in an era of slow 3G networks and phones with tiny screens and limited memory. The priority was to make the file size as small as possible, which required heavy compression and very low resolutions.
Can modern phones play 3GP files?
Yes, most modern smartphones can still play 3GP files for backward compatibility, but it is an obsolete format that should not be used for creating or sharing new video content.
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