Open Source

File formats are often proprietary and dependent upon the manufacturer for continued support, and unsupported software often becomes redundant after release of the latest generation. MP4 is a proprietary format - Microsoft software is required to access MP4 digital files. The benefit is that the format is widely accepted and will probably be forward compatible (designed to be used in future versions).

Video games and computer-generated images are particularly susceptible to planned obsolescence because manufacturers deliberately cease support of older formats (backward compatibility), requiring consumers to purchase the latest gaming console in conjunction with the latest games. The highest risk occurs when companies go out of business and support ceases abruptly for those proprietary products.

Open-source video codecs and wrappers are available, and their wide adoption provides reasonable security that they will be forward compatible. Open-source formats carry some risk because they rely on the altruism of a development community; support for those formats requires continued technical investment by developers that have no financial stake in the longevity or transformability of a format. The goal is to select an open-source format that is widely adopted.