FFV1 is a lossless intra-frame video codec used in preservation and archival workflows. It is particularly useful where the aim is to retain the information from a digitised video signal without introducing the generational losses associated with lossy delivery codecs.
What does FFV1 mean?
FFV1 is a lossless video codec associated with the FFmpeg project. Its purpose is to encode video without discarding image information through lossy compression. This makes it useful for preservation workflows where maintaining the captured digital signal is more important than minimising file size.
Why use a lossless codec for preservation?
When an analogue or digital videotape is transferred, the resulting file may become the new working representation of the source. If that file is encoded using a lossy codec, information can be discarded at the point of capture. A lossless preservation file gives an archive a stronger source from which access derivatives can later be created.
FFV1 versus MP4
MP4 is a container and can contain different codecs; in everyday archive discussions, an H.264 or H.265 MP4 is often an access or delivery file. FFV1 is different in purpose: it is commonly selected where lossless preservation is the priority. An archive may therefore keep an FFV1 preservation master and an H.264 MP4 access copy rather than expecting one file to perform both jobs.
What does intra-frame mean?
FFV1 encodes frames independently rather than relying on long chains of inter-frame prediction in the same way as many delivery codecs. This can be advantageous for preservation and editing workflows because individual frames can be accessed without decoding a long dependency chain.
What about audio?
Video preservation is not only about the picture. The audio should be captured and encoded according to the project's preservation requirements, with appropriate metadata describing the source, channels, sample rate and bit depth. A preservation package should document the relationship between the video and audio streams.
FFV1 in a professional digitisation workflow
The correct codec is only one part of a preservation workflow. Source inspection, appropriate playback equipment, signal path, capture settings, quality control, file naming, metadata, checksums and storage all matter. A technically perfect codec cannot compensate for a poor source transfer.
FFV1 at Oxford Duplication Centre
Oxford Duplication Centre works with professional and legacy audiovisual formats and can discuss preservation and access outputs according to the collection's requirements. We also provide other professional outputs, including ProRes HQ and MPEG-4, where these are more appropriate to the intended use.
We provide professional digitisation for corporate, heritage and personal collections from our facility in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Our work covers documents and books, photographic film and glass plates, audio and video tapes, motion film and legacy digital media. The correct workflow depends on the original material, its condition and the purpose of the digitisation project.
Frequently asked questions
Is FFV1 lossless?
Yes. FFV1 is designed as a lossless video codec when used in its lossless mode.
Is FFV1 the same as MP4?
No. FFV1 is a video codec, whereas MP4 is a container format commonly used with codecs such as H.264.
Is FFV1 suitable for every video archive?
It can be a strong option for preservation, but the final choice should consider the collection's standards, infrastructure, access requirements and long-term preservation plan.
Can I have both FFV1 and MP4?
Yes. A preservation master and a smaller access copy can serve different purposes.
Need this format digitised?
If you have this type of material in your collection, Oxford Duplication Centre can discuss identification, condition, handling, digital outputs and the most appropriate transfer workflow.
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