MP5

An MP5 file is a 3D video format that is meant to be played on a Chinese 3D video display device. MP5 files are significantly different from MP4 files. Like MP4 files, MP5 files are encoded using a custom MPEG-like codec that can store vertices, triangles, faces, and layered video information. They are really optimized, support multiple layer counts (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and even 128 interlaced), each layer has an alpha; and inbetween the layers could be 3D models with keyframes. The devices that can play those are often really expensive, available to buy only in China, and the software that can create such videos has not yet been fully implemented to use the whole potential of those new on the market devices.

I finally got my hands on a Chinese 3D display, but finding MP5 files to play on it is a nightmare—turns out the software isn’t even optimized yet, so I’m just staring at a fancy screen!

by Emotional Cruiser October 1, 2025