MPEG-1 vs MPEG-2: Understanding the Differences in Video Coding Standards

This page compares MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, describing the differences between these video coding standards. As we know, the full form of MPEG is Moving Picture Experts Group.

MPEG versions available are MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG-7, MPEG-21, etc. These serve as standards for the general coding of Moving Pictures and Associated Audio. The syntax of compressed video and audio bitstreams allows for a great amount of flexibility at the encoder.

Function: The main purpose of MPEG is to take analog/digital video signals as input and convert that input into packets of digital information that can be efficiently transported on modern networks. MPEG compression helps data consume less bandwidth compared to traditional transmission methods.

MPEG-1

• As mentioned, it’s a standard for storage and retrieval of moving pictures and audio on storage media.
• EXAMPLES: VCD, MP2, MP3
• MPEG-1 standard specifications are divided into 5 parts.

MPEG-2

• Mainly used as a standard for digital television.
• It extends the video and audio compression capabilities of MPEG-1.
• It optimizes the balance between resolution and bandwidth.
• Four Video Compression Techniques, such as Pre-processing, Temporal Prediction, Motion Compensation, and Quantization, are used.
• It is used for various applications which include webcasting, broadcasting, multimedia communications, video on demand, mobile communications, interactive digital media, telecommunications, etc.
• MPEG-2 standard specifications are divided into 10 parts.

MPEG-1 vs. MPEG-2: Key Differences

Table 1 summarizes the differences between MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 standards.

Other MPEG Standards

The functions of other MPEG standards developed after MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 are summarized below:

• MPEG-4: It is a standard for multimedia applications.
• MPEG-7: It is a content representation standard for information search.
• MPEG-21: It offers metadata information for audio and video files.