Videotiedosto

A videotiedosto, or video file, is a digital container that stores moving images and sound. These files are fundamental to digital media, allowing for the recording, transmission, and playback of visual content. The structure of a video file typically involves a sequence of frames, each representing a still image, that are displayed rapidly to create the illusion of motion. Accompanying this visual data is audio information, synchronized with the video to provide sound.

Video files employ various compression techniques to reduce their size, making them more manageable for storage and transmission. Common codecs, such as H.264, HEVC, and VP9, are used to encode and decode this data efficiently. The choice of codec and the level of compression significantly impact both the file size and the quality of the video.

Different file formats, like MP4, AVI, MOV, and MKV, serve as wrappers for the encoded video and audio streams. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding compatibility, features, and the types of codecs it supports. The container format dictates how the data is organized and accessed, but it doesn't define the compression method itself.

Playing a video file requires a compatible media player and the appropriate codecs installed on the device. These players interpret the data within the file and render the images and sound for the user. The ubiquity of video files has transformed communication, entertainment, and education, making them an indispensable part of modern digital life.