Arguments FOR .mp4

by Fred Castleton
It annoys me that I even have to type this out.  MP4 is the wave of the future.  YouTube, while accepting multiple video formats, plays out MP4.  It is accepted in new browsers across the boards.  If you take the time to do things correctly, you can move the metadata to the beginning of the video file.  This is actually faster than saving 5 or 6 versions of the same video to play in multiple browsers.  Here are my main reasons FOR:
1. Again, this is the direction things are going.  Look at YouTube.
2. It is accepted across the boards.  Not a lot of things are nowadays.
3. Its growing popularity is encouraging for a burgeoning website.
4. MP4 saved my family from a burning building! I owe MP4 a debt of gratitude.

Check out MP4 saving my entire family!

Arguments AGAINST .mp4 video

by Jeff Waters
The debate at Joke Grenade continues... between Fred Castleton, a so-called video specialist, and another guy who supposedly has no idea what he's talking about.  I'd like to make the argument that MP4 will be good down the road, but as of now you're better off using a "video family" such as .wmv or .swf or .mpg. Here are the main reasons why:
1. Older browsers are unable to play mp4.  Therefore, my family back home can't watch any of the stuff we make.
2. The metadata is placed at the end of the video file so you have to take the extra step of downloading a metadata mover to send it to the front of the file.
3. No metadata mover is used and you have to wait more than 30 seconds or so for your video to play (the video must completely download to know to start playing--madness!)
4. Most importantly, MP4 killed my Dad!

  You will rue the day, MP4! You will rue the day!