What is 3GP?

3GP (and similar 3G2 file format) is a multimedia file format designed to decrease storage and bandwidth requirements in order to allow mobile phones support. Usually, video has resolution of 176 x 144 or 176 x 120, and rarely exceeds 320 x 240 (or 368 x 208 for widescreen).

What is 3GP designed for?

3GPP, or 3rd Generation Partnership Project, is the result of international collaboration of numerous telecommunication associations, institutes and committees. Its purpose is to make globally supported 3G (third generation) mobile phone system specifications within the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). These specifications are based on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) specifications.

What are 3GP special features?

• stores video as MPEG-4 Part 14 and H.263 files
• is structurally based on MPEG-4
• contains AAC and AMR audio files as audio streams
• refers to big-endian formats so first bytes are stored initially as they contain the most significant data
• usual resolution of 176 x 144 or 176 x 120
• memory and filesize limitations that depend on devices

What are 3GP advantages?

• image sizes and bandwidth are appropriate to cell phones
• is designed recording and playback on third generation mobile phones
• can be encoded and decoded with open source software FFmpeg
• takes advantage of MPEG-4 standard for delivery of video and audio over the Internet

Where it can be applied?

It was defined by 3GPP for use by high-speed wireless networks, or 3G cell phones. Although some mobile phones do not support 3G, they still use the 3GP format. 3GP video files may be viewed using Real Networks Real Player, Apple Quick Time Player, Media Player Classic and other players on different OS platforms. Besides phones and computers 3GP is used when some audio is imported from CD on PlayStation.