[tkmd]

These are two option I run into when I try to encode some movies into h264. The isma version of mp4 seems to balloon the estimated file size to double. What do these different containers mean and which one should I use if I eventually want to play the encoded movies on a tv?

[grovberg]

Unless you are streaming, I don't think it matters. I could be wrong though.

[tkmd]

To be more specific - mp4 (basic vs mp4 isma?

[grovberg]

ISMA is a specific kind of mp4 that meets the ISMA standards. Unless you plan to stream or broadcast, there's no reason to limit yourself to ISMA standards.