Understanding the difference between file containers and video codecs.
What is a video container?
A container is the file structure that packages video, audio, subtitles, metadata and other streams. Examples include Matroska/MKV, QuickTime/MOV and MP4.
What is a codec?
A codec encodes and decodes the actual video data. Examples include FFV1, ProRes and H.264/AVC.
Why does the distinction matter?
Two files with similar extensions can contain very different video encodings. The same codec can also be stored in more than one container.
What does MKV + FFV1 mean?
MKV identifies the Matroska container while FFV1 identifies the lossless video encoding inside it.
What does MOV + ProRes mean?
MOV identifies the QuickTime container while ProRes identifies the video codec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MP4 a codec?
No. MP4 is a container/file format.
Is H.264 a file format?
H.264 is a video coding standard/codec, not a container.
Is MKV better than MP4?
Neither is universally better. Suitability depends on the codec, metadata, purpose and preservation requirements.
Further Reading
Oxford Duplication Centre — Practical Expertise
Professional video preservation depends on accurate source identification, compatible playback equipment, a controlled capture chain and careful quality assurance. Preservation, production and access outputs should be treated as separate purposes.
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