Common intermediate format

What is a common intermediate format?
A common intermediate format (CIF) is a format for a new type of color sequence for video transmission. CIF is a low-resolution form of video coding. It is used in closed television, DVD, or online video designs. In contrast to higher-resolution megapixel results, CIF is a choice for less 'high-res' applications.

In terms of its data compression, CIF relies on a color name called YCbCr. YCbCr is an alternative to the traditional RGB color standard and is used for MPEG compression in DVDs, digital TV and other technologies. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) maintains standards and technical information related to the use of CIF and similar formats for YCbCr color coding. It is important to distinguish the YCbCr system for digital color coding from the YPbPr system for analog use.

Using the CIF is one way of standardizing the pixel resolution for the YCbCr color sequence in video and translating color into the individual frames of a streaming video component. Experts point out that CIF and other similar designations are much lower in a resolution measure than other formats called megapixels. For example, in closed camera television assemblies, the use of a common intermediate format will maintain an image at a lower resolution than a multi-megapixel standard.