3GP

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3GP is a multimedia container format defined by 3GPP for use on 3G mobile phones. It is a simplified version of MPEG-4 Part 14 (MP4). 3GP files have the filename extension .3gp or .3g2.

3GP stores video streams as MPEG-4 or H.263, and audio streams as AMR-NB or AAC-LC formats. 3GP files are always big-endian, storing and transferring the most significant bytes first. 3GP also describes image sizes and bandwidth, so content is correctly sized for mobile display screens.

3GP files are viewable on a PC using Media Player Classic, MPlayer, QuickTime, RealPlayer, VLC Player, Xine or Zoom Player.

3GP video files can be converted to many other video formats using either 3GP Video Converter or a combination of MPEG Streamclip and QuickTime Alternative.

Most 3G enabled phones have support for this format and most even capture videos in this format. When viewed on a PC screen the video quality is similar to that seen on the mobile screen.

Often security cameras use this format, as you can fit hours of footage in a small amount of space. This is also why mobiles use the 3GP format.

In practical implementations for Videos, 3GP is used in 2 flavors:

3GPP (for GSM Based Phones)
3GPP2 (for CDMA Based Phones)

Both of these are based on MPEG-4 and H263 video, and AAC or AMR audio.

External links

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