Codec overwrite codec

[SneffeL]

I am thinking of installing codecs pack because I really dont know which codec I need. Wonder if this will cause any problems?

[redwudz]

Usually the answer is yes, it will cause problems if you install a bunch of codecs you don't need or use. Do a forum search for 'Nimo' , a codec pack and you will see some of the problems it caused. Why not use Gspot or AVIcodec and they will usually tell you which codec is needed by a video file. They are in the 'Tools' column to the left.

[lordsmurf]

Don't do it.

Imagine the little girl from old movies, radio shows and cartoons. Do you hear her... she's saying "you'll be sorry!" ...

[theDruid]

I agree totally - don't install a codec pack; they tend to create far more problems than they solve in my experience.

As redwudz says, just install gSpot, and it will tell you what codec you need if you come across a file that your system can't play.

cheers,
mcdruid.

[SneffeL]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I will give the codecs pack a miss.

[Gazorgan]

The Basics are:

MP3 codec
AC3 Filter
MPEG-2 Codec
OGG-Vorbis Pack (mostly for Audio)
FFDSHOW

That's all you need to play about anything. If you want to Encode to MPEG1/2 then you will need an encoder like CCE or TMPGEnc. If you want to encode to DivX, then you will need a DivX codec, same for XviD.

There's a slew of oddballs out there, but getting the 4CC changer and having FFDShow will eliminate most problems.