HTML 5 - which video format?
 

HTML 5, with it's new <video> tag will obviously go a long way to reducing the need to use flash video in websites.

Should I use Ogg Theora or wait for the new google On2 VP8 format which is set to release next month. From what I have read, the opensource VP8 is based on a more up to date compression technology, that might give h.264 a run for it's money, and Ogg is based upon a much older codec.

Also to consider, both Ogg Theora and On2 VP8 are both opensource, where h.264 is not.

So, which video format would you use for a site coded to HTML 5 specs?

Even if google release the VP8 codec to the public it will still take some time before it will be universally supported (if at all). My recommendation would be to be things as normal (before the video tag) and see how it plays out.

You have to provide both Theora and MP4. Firefox does not (yet) support MP4, and Safari does not (yet) support Theora.

You have to wonder if it's worth the bother. Maybe use HTML5 with an MP4 file because then at least it'll work in iPad. The MP4 file itself can be made to play on the iPhone and many other portable devices. For everything else use Flash. You can repurpose the MP4 for your Flash player. Just be sure it has the moov atom set for immediate play if progressively downloading.

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