About compression

When exporting a video program, you choose a compressor/decompressor, or codec, to compress the information for storage and transfer (such as on a CD) and to decompress the information so it can be viewed again. Compressing the video program makes it play smoothly on a computer. A wide range of codecs is available; no single codec is the best for all situations. For example, the best codec for compressing cartoon animation is generally not efficient for compressing live-action video.

The codec you use must be available to your entire audience. For instance, if you use a codec available only with a specific capture card, your audience must have the same capture card installed. Some formats, such as some DV and streaming-video systems, use dedicated codecs.

Producing Final Video > About export settings > About compression