One of the problems with distributing digital formats, and with new technologies in cinema, is the enormous number of video codecs that exist. To help us navigate them with some clarity, editor Zak Ray has put together a chart with most of the codecs used today and the main parameters (resolution, frame rate, etc.). Common Digital Video Formats is available on his website: http://zak-ray.com/resources and is licensed under Creative Commons.
In addition to the comprehensive list of codecs shown in the chart, I really like how it is structured, distinguishing between capture codecs (for recording), intermediate codecs (for post-production), and distribution codecs.
This structure allows us to clearly see that, in the distribution of digital content, we have to work, logically, with distribution formats (both for previews and for screenings). This category includes h264 (for HD), mpeg2 (for DVD), jpeg2000 (the codec used by digital cinema, both in intermediate processes and distribution), and other codecs such as Dvix, Webm (for streaming), etc. Likewise, we can see that other codecs are only for post-production, as in the case of Apple ProRes (for Final Cut) or Avid DNXHD (for Avid).
