Video Bit Depth: 8bit and 10bit

Viewing mkv file properties using CCCP Player (open source codec pack)

Some may have already encountered this, but some people may still be unaware of the Hi10p video stream profile (AKA 10bit bit depth). Hi10p is rapidly getting popular on techie world lately, specifically on the multimedia technology.




What is the difference between the 8bit and 10bit?

Since then we have been used on 8bit videos, and not long ago, 10bit came into the video encodings. Before comparing the two bit depth, first we must define what bit depth is.

Bit depth in video is the amount of info that determines color on video. It means that in comparison to typical 8bit depth, 10bit depth defines colors 25% more accurate.



What is the effect of encoding video into a Hi10p (10bit)?

Since Hi10p is more accurate that the conventional 8bit, better video encoding results can be achieved.

1. On encoding under a Constant Rate Factor (CRF), a 10bit video will have less file size than an 8 bit video of the same quality using the same settings on other factors.
2. On encoding under Average Bit Rate (ABR), a 10bit video will have better quality than an 8bit video of the same file size.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of encoding videos on Hi10p (10bit)?

After knowing of what Hi10p format can do, consumers had split opinions on using/switching into Hi10p. The primary reasons are because when Hi10p technology went out...

• Almost no device/players supports the Hi10p playback that time.
• Not all encoder apps have support from Hi10p.
• "Fear of the unknown" and "Conservatism" initially beats curiosity.

But as time comes, the troubles are either solved or aided by new patches for PC media players, encoding apps and more and more community encoders are switching on Hi10p. Some in the other hand, are already encoding both 10bit videos and 8bit counterparts and release both of them to aid the people's split demands.

Since mini mkv encoding is dedicated primarily for PC playback, I highly suggest using Hi10p for encoding. Though 8bit mini mkv can also be done by preference.