How can I learn how multimedia file formats work?

How can I learn how multimedia file formats work?

I have always been a bit puzzled about how audio/video file formats work, and how the extension of a media file (e.g. mp4) doesn't always tell the whole story about what media formats the file contains and how it is encoded. I am starting to learn about the existence of container formats and codecs, and would like to learn this hands-on by looking at some actual media files.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 213

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Guest [Entry]

"Get the GSpot tool for windows to start with.
Then, read up the Wikipedia Container format page and its links
Gizmodo article: Giz Explains: Every Video Format You Need to Know
VLC will play almost any format you throw at it

it has a good Wiki to search through too

another reference"