There are about a million (hyperbole) reasons why MPEG-1 VBR is the best choice for distributing non-DRM'd HD content on the internet. Here are a few of them.
Today I revisited Microsoft's WM9 HD samples page.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/film/ContentShowcase.aspxI just want to look at the HD video. On my Mac. This is what I needed to do.
1. The Microsoft samples are distributed in self-extracting ZIP archives for Windows. Packaged as a Windows executable file. Hello? What does this say about the compression? Supposedly, if the files are compressed media, there is no reason to package them with ZIP. Whatever.
2. Download the Flip4Mac WMV components for QuickTime.
3. Boot up my PC and download and extract the WMV HD samples. I notice that Nero Recode (PC) has taken over the .WMV file extension, but cannot play the file because it is protected with Microsoft's DRM? Nope. So I open it in Windows Media Player, which requires a software upgrade to play the file. Anyone following this? It's inane. My mum, and 90% of the potential audience have already lost interest and are now downloading a new episode of Desperate Housewives from the iTunes Music store.
4. I try to play the file on my PC with Windows Media Player, replete with the latest DRM upgrade. The result: a message which says "Your license to play this file has expired - Powered by Nine Systems". Maybe 9 systems should upgrade to version 10.
5. OK, on to sample #2, a non-DRM file encapsulated again in a self-extracting ZIP file. Yes, ladies and gentleman, this is the future of online media distribution according to Microsoft....
6. Nero Showtime plays this file. It's a non-DRM WMV file in HD - movie trailer for the Rules of Attraction. Now copying to the Mac...
7. Have the WMV file and Flip4Mac and WM9 Player (Microsoft) on my G5. Neither Flip4Mac nor MS Player can play 720p file with audio. Now converting to Digigami MPEG-1 VBR HD.... First result - file is 10MB bigger, but plays on all systems without dropping frames or installing new software
