Codecs for HD videos

[inthecrack]

So we're switching to HD videos soon and just doing some initial research on which codecs and applications are best to use for 1280x720 downloads. If you have experience on this we'd like to know your thoughts. I've noticed pretty much every site offering this is using the Windows Media 9 codec. That's what we currently use but there's obviously many other options that are being ignored (quicktime sorenson and H.264, Real media, mpeg, divx, flash, etc.). Is there a reason everyone's gone with Windows Media 9? I also have to consider what's the most userfriendly for our customers. I personally like the Quicktime player way better than the Windows Media player but perhaps the typical customer is too lazy to go to the trouble of downloading the player.

What's the best application to go with for this stuff? We currently use Cleaner XL but I'm also considering Apple's Compressor 2 which comes with the Final Cut Studio.

[inthecrack]

Bump.

So now that everyone's done with watching the super bowl does anyone have an opinion on this or is it just to technical for Joe Blow webmasters?

[mlove]

I'd use the xvid codec, and encode using mencoder (comes with mplayer). You'll need to learn the command line, but learning these things will definitely help you optimize your content.

[inthecrack]

I'd use the xvid codec, and encode using mencoder (comes with mplayer). You'll need to learn the command line, but learning these things will definitely help you optimize your content.

And the reasons why you choose xvid / mencoder ???