dumb codec question - divx, vs 3ivx, vs xvid

[ruggerjvd]

Here is the latest in my series of dumb questions:

What is the difference between these codecs? For example, if I have the 3ivx codec (in QT, I have the option to encode as 3ivx orp4, or some nonsense like that). Is xvid something different, and can I get it for QT? I see that ffmpeg has an xvid encoding option, but how does it compare? What are the relative advantages/disadvantages of each? I did try to look on this site for info, but couldn't really come up with anything.

I'm asking because I want to encode some movies, I was advised to install divx pro to encode, but I wondered if I already had it installed.

[lordsmurf]

The only dumb question is the one not asked.

[deadsierra]

I'd be interested in some answers to these questions too. Except, I do believe that Divx costs money and Xivd is open-source, and 3ivx is strange to pronounce (three iv ex? three eye vee ex? thriv ex?).

[AntnyMD]

I'm pretty sure 3ivx is pronounced THRIVE ex

[pyroguyperson]

I always said three-ivx, pronouncing ivx how it looks.

[AntnyMD]

Lo and behold, there is a discussion about how to pronounce 3ivx in the 3ivx forum : http://forums.3ivx.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=1&topic=915

[galactica]

Th - rive (short i) - x

thats how i pronounce it

[ruggerjvd]

(ahem....)
yes all this banter is quite enlightening, and perish the thought that I would presume to squelch it.

Anyways, can anyone proffer a reply to the original question?

[pyroguyperson]

According to them they called the 3ivx people and they called it "Thrihvicks"

Sorry ruggerjvd, no clue.

[Thargok]

They are all mpeg-4 codecs.

3ivx is a simple mpeg-4 codec, with amazing postfilters
Divx 4 is a simple mpeg-4 codec
Divx 5 is an rough implementation of advanced mpeg-4 profile (sometimes better, sometimes not)
Xvid is an advanced Opensource mpeg-4 codec with good quality.

In a real world situation 3ivx/Xvid are about the same quality. 3ivx has the most mpeg-4 compatibility, followed by Xvid and then Divx.

In a playing field however, Divx is most popular, followed by Xvid, and then 3ivx. However only 3ivx can be played by any compliant mpeg-4 player (including Apple's QT component/player). Xvid/Divx can be made to do this as well, but it take a lot of tinkering. (mostly due to limited standards and incompatibility to the MP4 container)

[deadsierra]

Okay, 'Three forks' is damned cool.

I meant to post something meaningful the first time, but I forgot, so here goes:

So, are DivX and XviD basically compatible with eachother? I ask because the DivX codec appears to play XviD files, but the XviD codec seems not handle DivX stuff. (or, maybe I've forgotten something)

Also, I'll ask this again, does the AVindustries thing handle all these codecs?

[ruggerjvd]

Very helpful, thank you.

So ffmpeg has an xvid encoder on it, but if I want to encode something, is that the best choice?

I have 3ivx option in my QT encoding options, should I also see an option for divx if I have that one installed too? If I dl the latest one, I presume it will be divx 5.

[ZeroSix]

I personally prefer Xvid over anything else, as it is completely free and of excellent, EXCELLENT quality.

ffmpegX does a sweet job of encoding Xvid as well, and I prefer it much more over 3ivx, although 3ivx seems to do a great job of decoding within quicktime.

Hope this helps.

[yonidass]

AVI is the standard container for both DivX and XviD (in the Windows world). And since programs like Forty-Two also give you the option encode 3ivx into an AVI, I'll assume there's no problem there either.