Multiple Divx codecs?

[Huh...What?]

Hi. I have a question regarding installation of codecs.

Is it possible to install multiple versions of a codec, like "Divx"?

Example: Divx 7 & Divx 5.

[Ai Haibara]

I don't think it's possible under normal conditions... but why would you want to? Are you trying to evaluate a newer version of DivX without disturbing a registered older version?

You can have more than one decoder set up for decoding a specific codec (such as DivX/Xvid and ffdshow), but only one of those will normally take priority (and therefore be the codec to decode everything that codec decodes), IIRC.

[Huh...What?]

Actually I have the latest installed already, but I need an older version to encode for an older codec specific player (dont ask...).

Could someone tell me how to install the codec without overwriting the new one, and setting it up for a different encoder?

[jagabo]

When Divx 7 encodes in MPEG 4 Part 2 mode it is backwards compatible back to Divx 5. Hardware compatability is just a matter of encoder settings. If you need older, like Divx 3 you can just install the Divx 3 codec. That can coexist with Divx 5/6/7. I believe Divx 4 can also coexist.

[Huh...What?]

No way to install 5 alond side the newers... that sucks. I can probably use the Divx 3 to encode, but wouldn't 5 be better than 3?

The app only plays video encoded with up to Divx 5. I'll just have to install 5, use, uninstall, and then reinstall the latest then.

[DB83]

Divx 5[/url]. I'll just have to install 5, use, uninstall, and then reinstall the latest then.

I would have thought that the quote about the App would only be true if DIVx5 was the latest version when the App was written.

I have never heard of an App testing for a particular version of a codec before unless the App is not what it pretends to be and installs a fake codec which could give you all sorts of problems

[jagabo]

The app can't even know if the video was encoded with something newer than Divx 5. All the newer versions use the same fourcc, DX50. They are all backwards compatible with Divx 5 as far as playback is concerned. If any software or device can't play something from newer versions of Divx it's because of the encoding parameters used, not the Divx version. Encoding with the correct parameters will allow playback. The limitations are probably related to the number of b-frames, packed bitstream, GMC, QPel, frame size, or high bitrates.

[Huh...What?]

No... no... the player doesn't use the Divx codec, only the encoder does. I've personally tested it now, and no playback with anything encoded over Divx 5.02. Any chance someone could recommend which Divx 3 codec would be the best for a low res 320x240 video?

[jagabo]

There's really only one Divx3 around anymore: https://www.videohelp.com/tools/DivX_3.11

But many players that play Divx5 can't play Divx 3.

Have you tried Xvid with the fourcc set to DX50? Try this file:

test.avi

[Huh...What?]

Sorry, but no dice.

Thanks for taking the time everyone, and trying to help.

[jagabo]

Can you upload a short video that does play on your player?

[Cornucopia]

OP, I think you're mistaken and what jagabo says about B-frames, QPEL etc., is what is bunging this up.

Here's a suggestion: Take a short KNOWN GOOD file (one that plays correctly with your player) and upload it. We'll be able to see what parameters it has. A new encode with a more recent version, using THOSE SAME PARAMETERS, will be seen as the same type as one encoded from DivX5.02. Other than the fourcc, there is no other metadata that gives your player any clue.

If you REALLY got to use an older code, install it in a Virtual machine.

Scott

edit: DOH! jagabo, you beat me to it!

[Huh...What?]

Can you upload a short video that does play on your player?

Sure. Here it is: http://rapidshare.com/files/321170134/CaneToadClip.avi.html

Only 10 downloads allowed, but it shouldn't need even that.

[jagabo]

The encoding parameters were very similar to my Xvid encoded file. No packed bitstream, no b-frames, same frame size, similar bitrate VBR encoding, no GMC, no QPel, similar GOP size.

The only significant differences I saw were the size and location of some of the RIFF chunks in the AVI files and the 22050 KHz 40 kbps CBR MP3 audio in your file vs 44100 KHz 128 kbps CBR in mine.

You can try remuxing my video with your audio to see if the different audio properties makes any difference. Or simply remuxing your video and audio with a different program to see if the player has to have RIFF chunks at exactly locations. Other than that I guess you'll be stuck using Divx 5.

[Huh...What?]

One final thing...

Could you tell me what program you used to find that exact details you're talking about, like RIFF chunks?

[jagabo]

I used GSpot to check I/B/P frame, GOP size, GMC, QPel, audio properties, etc.

I examined RIFF chunks with VirtualDub: Tools -> Hex Editor. Then from the hex editor Edit -> Riff Chunk Tree.