codecs and filters

[puneetarora]

Hello,

I was wondering what exactly is the difference between a codec and a directshow filter.

As I understand it, a codec is something that codes and decodes audio/video information to and from a compressed / coded version and directshow filter is something that renders decoded information on the screen. If thats indeed the case, I guess there can be one layer of directshow over the codec ie. different codecs for different formats but a single layer of software to render the decoded information. Why is that I come across different filters like Xvid directshow filter etc. hows it different from the xvid codec ?

am I wrong in what I think. I'd be grateful if someone can enlighten me ?

Also, some codes have .acm extension while some have .ax while others may also have .dll. Can someone tell me what exactly is the difference ?

thank you,

regards,
-puneet

[redwudz]

One post per subject is enough. Please don't double post.

Continue here: https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1606295#1606295

Moderator redwudz