Why does MARS backup media files from Google Photos in a different format or resolution?
Applicable Products
MARS (Multi-Application Recovery Service) version 1.1 and later
Scenario
After backing up your photos and videos from Google Photos using MARS version 1.1 or later, you may notice the format or resolution of the file backups on your NAS may have been changed. The photo or video files on your NAS may not have the same format or resolution as that of the files stored on your Google account.
This is the result of limitations associated with the Google Photos API, and not an issue with MARS.
Google Photos API Limitations
When MARS backs up a media file from your Google account, the backed-up file on your NAS may have a different format or resolution compared to the original stored on your Google account. This is because the Google Photos API optimizes the format or resolution of the media file for more efficient transfer over the Internet. These optimizations, however, do not significantly impact typical users. The original media files on your Google account are not changed in any way.
One or more of the following may occur, as a result of Google Photos API limitations, when backing up videos/photos from Google Photos with MARS:
- Video backups:
- MARS may not be able to access videos immediately after uploading them to Google Photos. The backup job may fail, or some files may be skipped. In these cases, wait for a period of time and try the backup job again.
- Videos higher than 1080p and 30FPS will be backed up in 1080p and 30 FPS.
- Image backups:
- Google Photos may alter the pixel format or metadata when MARS retrieves the images. These alterations may change the final file size of the backup.
- Images with the YUV444 color model will be converted to the YUV420 color model. Images with the YUV422 or RGB24 color models will not be converted.
- Location data, including GPS coordinate information, may be removed from certain images.
Further Reading
How can I use MARS (Multi-Application Recovery Service) to clear space in my Google Photos storage?
