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TimeLapseCameras

Video Compression what does it really mean.

Updated: Oct 23, 2021

Afidus is always improving their app and increasing it's capability, just like iOS. One of the more recent changes delivered in a firmware update (4334 for ATL-200/201 models and version 4444 for the ATL-200S) is the video Compression Mode.


Afidus has simplified this video setting within the Settings fly-out menu. When selected it will present two options:



Compatible vs Efficiency.

A simple answer is that file size will vary with settings. Efficiency compression generates approximately 30% smaller files compared to capturing in Compatible mode



Our Take:

Leave it on Compatibility. You are welcome to try out Efficiency compression mode with your computer/editing system to ensure it will work for your needs.


Reason:

If you are checking your cameras weekly/biweekly, and especially monthly, like we recommend within standard operating settings ("one-minute to-win-it", weekdays, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm), your 16gb card will not fill up, but remember to check those batts & stats!



Let's dive deeper into this topic.

Specifically, Efficiency uses the H.265 codec, which is a newer codec. H.264 is reliable across most video players and editing software. However, Efficiency uses the newer HVC1 codec which, for example, is not compatible with Mac OS older than High Sierra 10.13. What this means for older Mac and Window users is stock video players such as QuickTime or Windows Media Player will not play the file.


CODEC Summary:

ATL 200S/201S Models:

Compatible records in Motion JPEG Video (MJPG)

Efficiency records in MPEG -H Part 2/HEVC (H.265) (hvc1)


Previous ATL 200/201 Models:

Efficiency will record in h264 MPEG-4AVC (part 10_ (avc 1)

Compatible records in Motion JPEG Video (MJPG)




Known playback incompatibility issues:

As of March 2021, Movavi editor will NOT play back files recorded using the 200S camera in Efficiency Compression (H.265 format). The solution for this, convert the files using a program such as Wondershare File Converter.



SOLUTION:

DO NOT worry, a solution is just around the corner. Use VLC player. This handy dandy little backup player comes in great allowing you a back-up, just in case.


Otherwise, you might need to look into updating your operating system for proper playback and future video editing.



Remember:

Efficiency offers the option of capturing 30% more footage within the same card space without compromising video quality.



Be safe, save it.

Sure Efficiency will save your card space. However let's talk about content safety.


Pull the content from the card, by replacing the card, and back it up to a second or third location for safe keeping and future editing.


We’ll provide more details in another blog on the topic “How to store and organize your Timelapse Content safely.”




376 views3 comments

3件のコメント


ssggeeerrr
2023年11月27日

Video compression is the process of compressing video files to reduce their size and make them more manageable and efficient for storage and transmission. It involves the use of various algorithms and techniques that remove redundant data and represent the video in a more compact format.


There are several different methods of video compression, including lossless compression and lossy compression. In the case of lossless compression, all video data is preserved, but it is packed more densely to occupy less space. This is useful if you want to maintain high video quality, but it may result in larger file sizes.


In the case of lossy compression, video data is removed or simplified to reduce the file size. As a result,…

いいね!

isacbinder
2023年4月24日

Thank you for sharing more about video compression. You even cited some software for this, but I recently download a converter and can compress video or convert it to another format without any problems.

いいね!
TimeLapseCameras
2023年4月25日
返信先

This article was written and provided back in 2021. A time there were two models in the market, the newer 200S model was released using the "Newer" H.265 codec. At that time there were a number of programs and systems (including Adobe Premiere version 18) not able to handle the codec without conversion. This is NOW no longer the issue as software has come a long way, 4.25.2023.


Thank you for reading, best regards. Reach out to TLC at anytime for your questions.


This is great takeaway point, try your best to remain cautiously current with your computer editing system and software too keep the best editing efficiency in your work flow. Fact TLC knows there are users who…

いいね!
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