videokonteinerid

Video containers are data structures that encapsulate audio, video, subtitle streams, and metadata within a single file. They provide the framework that separates raw or compressed media streams from the sequence of their display. Unlike codecs, which encode or decode media content, containers merely organize and store these streams and enable synchronization during playback.

The most common video containers include MP4 (MPEG‑4 Part 14), MKV (Matroska), AVI ( Audio Video Interleave), MOV (QuickTime) and FLV (Flash Video). Each format has a different technology level: MP4 and MOV are based on the ISO base media file format, MKV offers extensive flexibility and support for multiple subtitle and audio tracks, AVI is older and less efficient for modern codecs, and FLV is largely obsolete after the discontinuation of Flash. Technically, containers use structures such as atom or chunk trees, tracks, and stream header tables to locate and decode media streams.

Historically, video containers evolved alongside codec developments and the need for multimedia distribution. The MP4 format emerged in the mid‑1990s to enable MPEG‑4 video and was later incorporated into many devices. The open‑source MKV format gained popularity for its extensibility, allowing content creators to embed multiple leads and CD‑ROM‑like features. AVI dates back to the early 1990s as part of the Windows multimedia platform, and while its capabilities are limited, it remains in use for legacy systems.

Understanding the role of video containers is essential for tasks such as transcoding, media streaming, and archival. Proper selection of a container format influences file size, encoder compatibility, support for advanced features, and long‑term accessibility.