Max B-frames

[Tuik]

What is the maximum reasonable value for max b-frames? In x264 it's possible to use 16 consecutive b-frames.. and in xvid? And would be it useful? Thanks a lot

[Sharktooth]

4 for xvid, 16 for x264. remember the more is not always the better.
always use the adaptive b-frames option coz the encoder will choose when to place b-frames and when not.
x264 in that regard has a more effective/complex algo for b-frames placement (when b-adapt 2 is set) while xvid relies on a simpler one.

[Dark Shikari]

4 for xvid, 16 for x264No, 16 is not a "reasonable value"... the defaults are reasonable values...

[zmaster]

A very popular question.
3 b-frames for the x264 and 1 for Xvid (For best compatibility with standalone Players).

[burfadel]

3 for compatibility with standalone players, 5 (seems to be a fairly typical maximum effective number) with --b-adapt 2.

[Sharktooth]

i missed the "reasonable" word... i just told him the maxium...

[SeeMoreDigital]

... 1 for Xvid (For best compatibility with standalone Players).Indeed, for cheap stand-alones with low-spec decoding chip-sets and firmware.

Something else to bear in mind... Given that early DivX encoders only offered the capability of generating MPEG-4.2 ASP encodes with "one" B-frame (together with packed bit-stream), there was very little incentive for manufacturers of "DivX certified" stand-alone players to support more than one B-frame!


Cheers