MPEG and GIF explained
MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 program streams are the formats behind Video CDs and DVDs. They are decades old and very inefficient by modern standards.
GIF is a 1987 format limited to a 256-colour palette per frame, with support for simple animation and one fully transparent colour. Its longevity is cultural rather than technical — nothing about it is efficient by modern standards.
- Where MPEG files come from
- DVD rips, old camcorders and broadcast archives.
- Where GIF is used
- Reaction images, simple UI animations, and screen recordings shared in chat.