Simply Guide To Codecs

[MRG]

Guide To Codecs

Greetings all,

If your like me, you have at some point had problems with either running TS or any other online voice chat program or watching a video online or after you downloaded it. Well while i'm not gonna go into detail about each of the Codecs that are out & what each one does, I will give you a little background & then a few download links for ESSENTIAL Codec files.

What are Codecs?
Codec is an algorithm, which can be thought of as a "list of instructions," that identifies the method used to compress data into smaller byte sizes. By following these instructions, applications such as encoders and players can reliably compress and decompress data. In the case of digital media content, codecs are used to decrease the content's file size and bit rate (the amount of data in kilobits per second that is required to render audio and video content). With smaller file sizes and lower bit rates, digital media content can be stored and streamed over a network more easily.

A codec is applied to a file when the file is encoded or recorded. For example, if you use an encoder to encode a live stream or to create a file, or if you use player software like Windows Media Player to copy a file from a CD. The file that is created is encoded or compressed, using a codec.

Most files that you find on the Internet are already compressed. You may not realize that those files are compressed because you can easily download and play the file with no additional actions. Your computer can play any file whose codec is available on the computer's hard disk. The computer uses the codec's instructions to decompress the file you want to play. If the codec is not on your computer, then Windows Media Player will try to download the codec so that it can understand how to decompress the file. If the codec is not available, then the Player will let you know that it does not understand how to play the file. In this case, there's nothing wrong with the file; your computer just does not have the instructions on how to play that file.

(1) Short for compressor/decompressor, a codec is any technology for compressing and decompressing data. Codecs can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. Some popular codecs for computer video include MPEG, Indeo and Cinepak.
(2) In telecommunications, (short for coder/decoder) a device that encodes or decodes a signal. For example, telephone companies use codecs to convert binary signals transmitted on their digital networks to analog signals converted on their analog networks.
(3) The translation of a binary value into a voltage that can be transmitted over a wire.

Essential Links:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/format/codecdownload.aspx
http://www.free-codecs.com/
http://codecs.nm***/ (Adults only - Codecs on page)
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/codec-central.htm
http://www.moviecodec.com/download/codecs.shtml
http://atrpms.net/dist/common/w32codec/
http://www.shadow-dragons.com/anime/codec.htm (Scroll down)
http://www.subtitles.ro/codecs.php
http://www.soft32.com/download_4070.html
http://codecs.necromancers***/

Best Video Codec Packs:
http://www.k-litecodecpack.com/ (Get the 18mb "MEGA" Pack. It kicks butt!)
http://www.videolan.org/ - IMO, the best Free DVD Codec on the planet.

Best Audio Codec Packs:
http://www.free-codecs.com/Audio_Codecs.htm
http://www.vorbis.com/
http://flac.sourceforge.net/download.html
http://www.moviecodec.com/downloads/audiocodecs.html

If you need other Codecs let me know & i'll see what I can do.

Hope these help.

-MRG

 

[Ennui]

I was having trouble with this a few days ago, actually. What should I get in order to DECOMPRESS DivX/Xvid format AVIs (highly compressed, you know, pirated movies and the like) to DV AVI format? Premiere won't import highly-compressed avis correctly, so I need to convert it to DV avi so I can import it, though it'll take a crapload of space with the same quality as the compressed version.

 

[MRG]

Do you want to decompress the video to edit it or to view it with a conventional viewer? I ask because VLC player will play 99% of every file type known to man. Also in the above list, you'll see "K-Lite" codec pack, it also comes with an extremely power media viewer.

Please give me a little more info as to what you are trying to do exactly & i'll get you the info you need.

-MRG

 

[Ennui]

To edit, specifically in Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0. I already use VLC media player for playback, but I need to be able to convert DivX AVI files to DV AVI; change the codec/compression.

 

[MRG]

To edit, specifically in Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0. I already use VLC media player for playback, but I need to be able to convert DivX AVI files to DV AVI; change the codec/compression.

Give this site a try. I just posted how to use it here in this section. It tells you how to convert. http://www.videohelp.com/tmpgenc.htm

Here is some more info that might help. It's a listing of guides on "How-To" in Step-by-step form. Let me know if they help, if not i'll get you more info thats a little more specific. I'm heading off to run a few errands. I'll check back in 30 mins or so.

-MRG

 

[Ennui]

I don't have time to check it out right but but I will later, thanks.

 

[function9]

You write knowledge base articles for Microsoft?

 

[MRG]

You write knowledge base articles for Microsoft?

Nope, not I. Wish I did though. I could really use some of the money that Microsoft throws around.

-MRG

 

[function9]

Nope, not I. Wish I did though. I could really use some of the money that Microsoft throws around.

-MRG

So it looks like MS stole your work too:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/howto/articles/codecs.aspx
Under "What is a Codec?"
And this for your nice and concise definition of a codec:
http://www.learn4good.com/languages/english_for_computers/index.htm

 

[MRG]

That second link provides some great info on the definitions of Computer related info. I have added it to my favorites thanks. As for the first link, no one has "Stolen my work" & I could care less if they did. If its used to help someone, then i'm all for it. Besides, i'm not the original author of that. Come to think of it, never said I was. Quite awhile ago, a few members from http://www.nsffamily.com had some problems getting some media files to play, not to mention getting TS to work on older onboard audio cards, so I searched for and gathered up info on various programs, such as Codec packs. I think I got that info from the site that made/released the K-Lite codec pack. Before I found VLC, I had K-Lite installed. Came with a great all-in-one media player.

-MRG