H.264 DVR Video Compression
In the coming years the latest video compression H.264 is expected to become the video standard of choice. H.264 is the step up from Mpeg4 and without compromising image quality, an H.264 encoder can reduce the size of a digital video file by more than 80% compared with the motion JPEG format and as much as 50% more than with the MPEG4. This means that much less network bandwidth and storage space is required for a video file. Digital Video Players, Mobile Phones, and many other electronics are already operating with the new H.264 format.
Video codecs that implement different standards are normally not compatible with each other; that is, video content that is compressed using one standard cannot be decompressed with a different standard. For instance, an MPEG-4 will not work with an H.264 encoder. This is simply because one algorithm cannot correctly decode the output from another algorithm, but it is possible to implement many different algorithms in the same software or hardware, which would then enable multiple formats to be compressed. Different video compression standards utilize different methods of reducing data, and hence, results differ in bit rate, quality and latency. Results from encoders that use the same compression standard may also vary because the designer of an encoder can choose to implement different sets of tools defined by a standard.
So, in reality, if you are looking for a DVR, it would be best to get the new H.264 and receive better recording quality and more video can be stored. There are several different H.264 DVR’s on the market, but do not go by the price you see. Look at the more detailed specs and learn about the different DVR’s and functions before purchasing.