Modern video codecs, particularly from the 2000s onwards, adhere to a 'bit exact' definition, meaning every implementation must produce identical output data for a given sample. This contrasts with earlier standards like MPEG-2, which lacked this strictness, a mistake acknowledged by industry veterans. This precision is crucial for reliable testing and interoperability.
Impact: High. The pursuit of bit exactness in codecs is a testament to the industry's drive for standardization and reliability. It ensures that video playback is consistent across different software and hardware, preventing subtle errors that could cascade into significant visual glitches.
In the source video, this keypoint occurs from 01:54:06 to 01:55:04.
Sources in support: Kieran Kunhya (FFmpeg Contributor, Developer of FFmpeg X account)

