Perfect codec cocktail?

[Drunken Sailor]

I'm going to format my computer within the next day, meaning I'm going to get to make clean installations of all my codecs. I've always had problems with my codecs in the past (conflicting with one another and whatnot), so this time I'd like to get started right.

What's the ideal combination of codecs and/or codec packs to have the most comprehensive video/audio coverage, and avoid any pitfalls/conflicts? I both edit and view a wide variety of media on my computer, and would like to cover as many formats as well as possible. I know this is a pretty newbish, low-level question, but I'd really appreciate anybody's answers. Thanks.

[redwudz]

Number one: Avoid codec packs if you don't want problems. (Do a forum search for 'codec packs' if you have doubts.

Number two: Use a program like Gspot or AVICodec and only install the codecs you need. You will save yourself lots of problems.

Number three: There is no 'ideal' combination. But I can safely recommend ffdshow for most AVI codecs like Xvid, Divx. You also need a MPEG-2 codec. Either install a software player like PowerDVD or something like Stinkys MPEG2 Codec.

Number four: For software playing, best advice, use a software player like VLC Media player that will play most anything and doesn't need to use installed codecs.

JMO, others may disagree.

[lordsmurf]

GSPOT, VLC Media Player, PowerDVD, XVID codec (not divx!), and you're good to go.

[DarrellS]

I agree with Smurf. The DivX codec seems to not be compatible with XviD on my machine and XviD is the main codec I use and have it set to decode all MPEG-4.

I have ffdshow but I only have it set to decode certain files ( 3ivX, MP4, H263, H264 and AAC audio) since it seems to cause problems itself when set to open files that other codecs should open.

[Drunken Sailor]

Thanks for the replies. If other people would like to weigh in, I'd love to hear from them, too.

[kschang]

PowerDVD, MPC, VLC, and FFDShow for me. GSpot for the oddballs.

[NormaJ]

PowerDVD, MPC and FfDShow here. Of course, Gspot.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Xvid Codec,Quicktime,Real Alternative,WMP 10,Nero Showtime with multichannel plugin...I can watch anything and never had a conflict.

[takearushfan]

I have to agree with choosing XVID. DivX has become almost obsolete to me now. XVID provides results that are amazing in comparison to DivX. I also must agree that GSPOT is a great little utility that is incredibly helpful.