Abstract:
A method and apparatus for encoding multimedia contents, and a method and a system for applying encoded multimedia contents are provided to encode a picture into an MAF(Multimedia Application Format) file using information from the picture as meta data to allow users to effectively browse or share the picture. An apparatus for encoding multimedia contents includes a pre-processor(130), a meta data generator(150), and an encoder(170). The pre-processor separates media data and meta data from the multimedia contents. The meta data generator generates meta data conforming to a predetermined standard format by using the separated meta data. The encoder encodes the media data and the meta data conforming to the standard format to generate a multimedia application format file including a header having information indicating the media data, the meta data and the media data. The meta data conforming to the standard format includes media player meta data.