H.262, also known as MPEG-2, is a video compression standard developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group. It was designed to efficiently compress video data for storage and transmission, making it suitable for applications like digital television and DVDs. This standard allows for high-quality video playback while reducing the amount of data needed, which is essential for broadcasting and streaming. H.262 supports various resolutions and bit rates, making it versatile for different media formats and devices, ensuring a balance between quality and file size.