Codecs

[Nekias1]

I've downloaded codecs for Xvid and LAME MP3, So I guess the question is 'How do I know if the required codecs installed correctly on my computer?' Where do you go to check?

I don't see anything under 'start', 'programs' which would resemble a codec - this is all new to me.

Steve

[redwudz]

Xvid usually shows up in the start menu. But if you run a video editor/encoder program like VirtualDub, (And most everyone here does. ) you can check under 'Video>Compression' and you should see Xvid listed along with the other codecs. And if you look to the lower right there in 'Configure' you should be able to see the settings. I use 'Target quantizer' mode set at single pass with a quantizer setting of '2' most of the time. That gives me close to the same quality as the input video. If you need a specific output size, then two pass may be a better choice.

For the Lame codec, in VD, 'Audio>Full processing mode>Compression' and you should see Lame MP3 listed there. Click on the codec to see the settings available.

[jagabo]

If you don't want to install VirtualDub you can see the audio codecs from: Control Panel -> Sounds and Audio Devices -> Hardware -> Audio Codecs -> Properties -> Properties.

And video codecs from: Control Panel -> Sounds and Audio Devices -> Hardware -> Video Codecs -> Properties -> Properties. Don't ask why VFW video codes are listed under Sounds and Audio Devices.

[AlanHK]

A new utility that will list all codecs and their status: InstalledCodec.
Also lets you activate or deactivate them.

[jagabo]

Also Radlight Filter Manager, FilMerit, Directshow Filter Manager...

[sagat93]

just download k lite codec pack, its got everything ull ever need!

[fritzi93]

just download k lite codec pack, its got everything ull ever need!

Here we go, someone's bound to jump on that. :P

Codec packs have gotten a bad reputation in the past, mostly deserved. (Anyone remember the system-destroying Nimo Codec Pack?)

I had a look at the latest Klite Standard Codec Pack, and it contains this:

Features of K-Lite Codec Pack 5.1.0 STANDARD version :

• Player :
- Media Player Classic [version 6.4.9.1 rev. 85]
- Media Player Classic Home Cinema [version 1.2.1005.0]
• FFDShow :
- FFDShow [rev. 3018]
• DirectShow video decoding filters :
- MPEG-2 (Cyberlink) [version 8.1.0.1608]
• DirectShow source filters :
- AVI splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.9]
- AVI splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- MP4 splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- MP4 splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.4]
- Matroska splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- Ogg splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- FLV splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.5]
- MPEG PS/TS splitter (Gabest) [version 1.2.1020.0]
- MPEG PS/TS splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
• DirectShow subtitle filter :
- DirectVobSub (a.k.a. VSFilter) [version 2.39.5.2]
• Other filters :
- Haali Video Renderer [version 1.9.42.1]
• Tools :
- Codec Tweak Tool [version 2.5.3]
- MediaInfo Lite [version 0.7.11]
- VobSubStrip [version 0.11]

I don't see anything there likely to cause problems, but perhaps someone here does and can enlighten me. I had a look at the Klite Full as well and really don't see the point in the extra stuff, the standard should be adequate in most cases.

[AlanHK]

I installed K-Lite recently. The defaults are sensible and it does not install every codec unless you specifically choose to do so. Its installer points out potential conflicts, and has some tools for resolving problems.

Really, Microsoft should have a better system. If you use WMP and it comes across a file it can't play it offers to "go online to find a codec" or words to that effect. I gave up on that long ago, it never ever found anything (except maybe for WMV).

Microsoft should have a site where you can get up to date codecs, possibly certified by MS. But you're left on your own, to wander amongst a bunch of sites offering various codecs and packs, some good, some broken, some out of date, some bundled with adware or worse. And even the good codecs each have their own idiosyncratic installer, some stepping all over other codecs to force their own to be used.