Video must be compressed to appropriate codecs before a live performance to enable real-time processing

Uncompressed digital video is too data-heavy for real-time playback and processing on a laptop (one minute of full-quality video can exceed 1 GB). Codecs (compression algorithms) reduce file size by reducing resolution, frame rate, and colour depth. Choosing the right codec is performance-critical: photojpeg preserves every frame (important for video scratching); animation codec works well with hard-edged graphical material. Each realtime video software has preferred codecs (e.g. Isadora is optimised for photojpeg). Preparing clips at the correct codec and resolution before a show is a prerequisite step often neglected by beginners who then hit performance bottlenecks on stage.

Examples

Convert footage to photojpeg at 640x480 before loading into a live visual patch; use animation codec for motion graphic clips with flat colours.

Assessment

Given a raw 1080p ProRes clip intended for video scratching in Isadora, describe the compression steps needed and explain why photojpeg is preferred over H.264 for this use case.