What does Divx compatible DVD player really mean?

[siratfus]

This is my assumption, please correct me if I'm wrong:

It will play files such as .avi that has been encoded with a divx codec. You can make "DATA" dvds with these avi files and the DVD player will play it. The benefit is like 4 to 6 movies on 1 data dvd.

Am I correct?

Or, do you have to encode it into a MPEG2 DVD first? I'm assuming you do not need to encode into mpeg2 DVD first because then any DVD player can play this, right? Therefore, what's the point in buying divx compatible dvd player?

Please keep in mind I'm a newbie to the world of divx/xvid, etc. Just trying confirm my assumptions. If they are wrong, please educate me. Thank you.

[Alex_ander]

This means it can recognize and decompress divx/xvid files from a data CD(R). You don't have menu/chapter navigation inside a movie file (just fast 'rewind' and zoom function). Many of such players don't read data DVDRs at all. That is why many people prefer to re-encode those files to MPEG2 and author DVDs.

[FulciLives]

No you pretty much got it correct. A MPEG-4 capable DVD player will play DivX and XviD AVI files. All you have to do is burn to a CD-R or a DVD-R as a DATA DISC (NERO is actually good at this type of burning).

There are some restrictions though on the MPEG-4 files. They can't be over a certain resolution and can't use certain features of the codec but these days most (knock on wood) of the MPEG-4 AVI files you might download from the 'net should be A-OK and if making your own MPEG-4 files then there are programs out there that make it fairly easy to do so and ensure that they will be compatible with a stand alone player. The two most popular are autoGK and avi.net

If you live in the USA I suggest the Philips DVP-5140 which can be bought from WALMART for $49 and change.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[siratfus]

Awesome!! Thank you for the input!