Why using the unrestricted x264 profile is a sin

There are still encoders which use Unrestricted and/or level 4.2+ profiles when encoding h264 videos. While this may seem like a good idea for computer playback, it's hell for hardware decoders (media centers, PMPs etc) - they won't be able to handle it. This is what happens when you play an x264 encode with too many reference frames using CUDA.

Advantages of using 4.2+ profiles:
- Allows resolutions up to 2560x1600
- Extremely small improvement of image quality

Disadvantages of using 4.2+ profiles:
- Requires more processing power to decode
- Cutting off large chunks of the userbase

Please, think of the people with media centers.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• cuda
• fail
• h264
• x264
• level
• profile

[tripflag]

@playman350 If you want your encodes to play smoothly on home theatres, that's a good idea. Although I believe anything 4.1 and below will be fine on newer systems.

[playman350]

WHAT IN THE HELL IS THIS?!

I'm changing my x264 profiles straight away to 3.1 O_o