iMedia Genius · R093 Revision Arcade

What Are Moving Image Files?

Moving image files store sequences of images (frames) and usually sound as well. They are used in TV adverts, trailers, explainer videos, films, animations, social media content and games.

Common containers: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV.
Common codecs: H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9 and others.
Key settings: resolution, frame rate, bitrate, compression.

Why Moving Image Files Matter in the Exam

Questions may ask you to suggest a video format for a product and justify your choice.
You may need to link video quality and file size to distribution platforms.
Video topics link strongly to file compression and distribution units.

Infographic summarising Moving Image Files key knowledge

Moving Image Files at a Glance

This infographic explains video containers, codecs and settings to help you choose formats for different platforms.

Video Containers & Codecs

Understanding file types and how video is encoded.

Containers: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV – hold video, audio and subtitles together.
Codecs: H.264, HEVC/H.265 and others – compress video data inside the container.
Audio codecs: AAC, MP3, PCM – used for sound within video files.
Compatibility: MP4 with H.264 is widely supported on most devices and platforms.
Editing vs delivery: higher-quality formats for editing; more compressed for final export.
Exam link: name a container and codec combination suitable for a specific platform.

Container · Codec · Support

Resolution, Frame Rate & Bitrate

How settings affect quality, smoothness and file size.

Resolution: e.g. 720p, 1080p, 4K – more pixels = sharper image, larger files.
Frame rate: 24/25fps for film look, 30/60fps for smoother motion (games, sports).
Bitrate: higher bitrates improve quality but increase file size and streaming demands.
Platform guidelines: many sites publish recommended export settings.
Exam tip: match resolution and bitrate to how and where the video will be viewed.
Performance: very high resolutions need more powerful hardware for editing and playback.

Resolution · FPS · Bitrate

Containers and Codecs

Moving image files usually have two important parts: the container and the codec.

Containers

File types such as .mp4, .mov, .avi, .mkv.
Act like a “wrapper” that holds video, audio and metadata (subtitles, chapters, etc.).
Some containers are more widely supported by devices and platforms than others.

Codecs

Short for “coder–decoder”. Codecs compress and decompress the video and audio streams.
Examples: H.264 (very common), H.265/HEVC (newer, more efficient), VP9.
The codec affects file size, quality and compatibility.

Choosing Formats for a Project

Use widely supported combinations like MP4 with H.264 for web and mobile.
Higher-end production might use higher-quality formats during editing, then export to MP4 for distribution.
Always consider the target platform and audience devices.

Resolution, Frame Rate and Bitrate

These three settings are key to how video looks and how large the files will be.

Resolution

Number of pixels in each frame, e.g. 1280×720 (HD), 1920×1080 (Full HD), 3840×2160 (4K).
Higher resolution = sharper image but larger file size.
Match resolution to where the video will be viewed (phones vs large screens).

Frame Rate

How many frames are shown per second (fps), e.g. 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps.
Higher frame rates can make motion look smoother but increase file size and processing demand.
Media products often use 25/30 fps; games or sports may use 50/60 fps.

Bitrate

Amount of data used per second of video, usually measured in Mbps.
Higher bitrate = better quality but larger files and more bandwidth needed.
Streaming platforms adjust bitrate to match connection speed (adaptive streaming).

Compression, Streaming and Downloading

Video compression is essential for getting moving image products to audiences online.

Why Video Compression Is Needed

Raw video files are extremely large and not practical for distribution.
Compressed formats reduce file size so videos can be streamed or downloaded efficiently.
Too much compression can cause artefacts such as blocky areas or loss of detail.

Streaming vs Downloading

Streaming – video plays as data arrives. Needs careful balance of quality and bitrate.
Downloading – full file saved to the device; can be watched offline later.
Streaming works best with compressed formats such as MP4 using H.264 at suitable bitrates.

Matching Settings to Platforms

Short social media clips: smaller resolution and lower bitrate for quick viewing on mobiles.
Website explainer videos: mid-to-high quality MP4 to look professional but still load reliably.
Display screens in college or events: higher resolution and bitrate for large displays.

Video Overview

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Watch on YouTube R093 · Moving Image Files

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Flashcards & Mind Maps

Use the NotebookLM for this topic to revise containers vs codecs, resolution, frame rate, bitrate and streaming, then test yourself with its question tools.

📘 Open NotebookLM for Moving Image Files

Topic Slides

Download these slides for an in-depth look at Moving Image Files — ideal for revision and exam preparation.

📑 Download Topic Slides (PDF)

Games to Practise Moving Image Files

These games help you choose video formats and settings for briefs, and apply your moving image knowledge in realistic revision scenarios.

Mega game · File types

File Types Forge

Make decisions about file formats and compression for images, audio and video in real client projects, including trailers and explainer videos.

Mega game Formats Compression

Technical choices · Justification

▶ Play

Distribution

Distribution Dash

Match video products to suitable platforms and file formats, thinking about streaming, downloads and different audience devices.

MCQs Formats Platforms

Application · Suitability

▶ Play

Mega game · Hardware & software

Hardware & Software Gauntlet

Explore the equipment and software needed to capture, edit and export video, from cameras and tripods to editing suites and export presets.

Mega game Hardware Software

Systems · Application

▶ Play

Mixed exam

Escape Room: R093

Break out of each room by answering mixed R093 questions, including video format and streaming scenarios that test your moving image knowledge.

Mixed Whole spec Challenge mode

Revision · Recall · Reasoning

▶ Play

Exam Practice – Moving Image Files (AI Marker)

Write your answers in the boxes below, then click Build & Copy AI Marking Prompt. Choose an AI tool and paste the prompt to get examiner-style marking and feedback.

Q1. State one advantage of using an MP4 file format for a video on a college website. (1 mark)

Technique: Give a simple advantage such as “widely supported so it plays on most devices” or “good quality with a relatively small file size”.

Q2. Explain one reason why a video editor might choose to export a project using the H.264 codec. (2 marks)

Technique: Make one point about what H.264 offers (e.g. good quality at smaller file sizes) and explain why this helps with streaming or downloading.

Example structure: “H.264 is chosen because… This helps because…”

Q3. Describe three factors that should be considered when choosing resolution and frame rate for a social media video. (3 marks)

Technique: Give three distinct factors such as typical screen size, connection speed/data limits and type of content (fast action vs simple talking head).

Q4. Explain two problems that could occur if the bitrate is set too low when exporting a promotional video for a streaming platform. (4 marks)

Technique: For each problem, describe what happens (e.g. blocky/pixelated image, loss of detail) and explain how this affects the audience’s impression of the brand or product.

Q5. A charity is creating a short promotional video to be shared on social media, embedded on its website and shown on a large screen at an event. Discuss how the media team should choose video formats, codecs, resolution and bitrate so that the video looks good and plays reliably in all three situations. Provide justified recommendations. (9 marks)

Technique: Organise your answer into paragraphs (social media, website, event screen). For each, explain format and quality choices and link them to audience, devices and connection speed. Finish with a justified conclusion.

Paragraph 1: Choose a common format/codec (e.g. MP4 with H.264) suitable for all platforms.
Paragraph 2: Social media – resolutions, aspect ratio and bitrate for mobile viewing.
Paragraph 3: Website – balance image quality and loading speed.
Paragraph 4: Event screen – higher resolution and bitrate for a large display copy.
Final paragraph: Conclusion – justify why this approach works well overall.

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Can You Now…?

Explain the difference between containers and codecs for moving image files.
Describe how resolution, frame rate and bitrate affect quality and file size.
Recommend suitable video formats and settings for different platforms and scenarios.
Write exam answers that clearly justify moving image format and compression choices.