H.264 vs xvid vs rmvb ?

[dexx]

Which is the best codec in terms of quality and small file size at low bit rates (eg under 1000) out of xvid, H.264, and real media variable bitrate?

[Blue_MiSfit]

well, as you probably know from reading the forum rules, nobody likes "whats the best" kind of questions. However, I would have to submit that x264 ATM offers the best quality the majority of the time at bitrates at or below 1000kbit when dealing with DVD or near-DVD resolutions.

I switched over around June and haven't looked back. I usually do full resolution rips, with (x264+5.1HE-AAC)->Matroska. I target 1/4 DVD-R filesizes, and am constantly amazed with the incredible quality x264 provides. It's a bit slow, however, I spend upwards of 10 hours on each encode.

XviD is awesome too. It used to be my choice :)

Just play with it. You'll develop favorites im sure

-misfit

[Sirber]

The best is to use them all at once ;)

[Sharktooth]

Please read rule #12:

12) How NOT to post on this forum:
...
Do not ask "what's best" because this question cannot be answered objectively. Each and everyone has their own view about what's best in a certain area. The best is what works best for you!

[bond]

indeed, apart from that h.264 is not a codec, but a format

also realmedia is not one codec, but a collection of lots of video codecs