Frequently Asked Questions
General Overview
What is Compar, and how does it work?
Compar is a web-based video comparison tool developed by GrayMeta that allows users to upload two video files and generate a detailed comparison report on how two seemingly duplicate files may differ.
How does Compar differ from Compar Pro?
Compar is a cloud-based service designed for quick automated analysis, while Compar Pro is a desktop application offering real-time playback, metadata extraction, and professional-level analysis.
Functionality and Features
What types of video differences can Compar detect?
Compar can identify visual edits, overlays, subtitles, watermarks, compression artifacts, color changes, and AI-generated modifications.
What video formats does Compar support?
Compar supports popular formats including MP4, MOV, MXF, but has limited high-end codec support compared to Compar Pro. Compar supports analysis of two 4gb files per analysis.
Is Compar suitable for detecting shot or scene replacements?
Yes, Compar can pinpoint shot replacements and frame alterations, making it useful for advertisers, post-production teams, and investigators.
What is grid-based analysis in Compar Online?
Compar divides each frame into a customizable grid (default: 16×9).
It inspects each cell for differences, marking those that exceed a
user-defined sensitivity threshold. This method enables precise detection of compression changes, color shifts, or localized edits.
Can Compar Online generate data exports for integration into other systems?
Yes, users can export comparison results
(including timecodes, frame numbers, and visual difference markers)
in XML or CSV formats—ideal for quality control reports or integration into media asset management (MAM) platforms.
Usage and Accessibility
Does Compar require software installation?
No, Compar is fully web-based, requiring only an internet connection and a browser.
Can Compar be used from any device?
Yes, Compar is accessible from all supported browsers for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, as long as the video files are supported.
Is Compar designed for professionals or casual users?
Compar is ideal for both individual users verifying personal content and media professionals needing quick QC checks without complex installations.
Does Compar provide real-time playback?
No, Compar runs automated analysis and provides a detailed “differences” report and still frames, but does not include real-time video playback.
What navigation options are available in Compar Online?
Compar Online offers thumbnail-based navigation, allowing users to browse frames surrounding marked differences. While it lacks full video playback, this approach ensures fast analysis without local installation.
Pricing & Subscription
How much does Compar cost?
Compar offers multiple pricing tiers:
$97/mo. for up to 25 comparisons
$149/mo. for 26-100 comparisons
$197/mo. unlimited comparisons
Is Compar free for occasional use?
Compar provides a 14-day free trial, allowing users to test before committing to a subscription.
Comparisons & Use Cases
What industries benefit from Compar?
Compar is widely used in Advertising, Marketing, Post-production checks, and is growing in Law Enforcement, and Legal where teams need fast, accurate, automated video comparison.
Can Compar compare different file formats in one session?
Yes, users can upload two different file formats in the same aspect ratio, and Compar will detect the content variations. For example, comparing a high resolution file with a proxy file.
Is Compar useful for detecting unauthorized edits in media?
Yes, Compar is often used to identify unauthorized video modifications, ensuring brand consistency and copyright integrity.
How does Compar Online visualize video differences?
Compar Online uses a three-panel interface: one for the reference video, one for the comparison video, and a center panel that highlights pixel-level discrepancies. When two files are visually identical, the center panel appears flat gray, but any differences will show in the gray and be highlighted if the differences pass the set threshold.
Support & Compatibility
Does Compar require an internet connection?
Yes, since Compar is web-based, it requires an active internet connection to process comparisons.