How to duplicate a codec and rename it. DVR codecs SN40,L263,K263,X263,I263

[duckduck]

First I am hoping this is the correct forum to post this in, and second I am unsure about what title to give it.

My problem is I have a lot of clients that deal converting DVR created video files to dvds. Background is most of the supplied videos from these DVR's have codecs SN40, L263, K263, X263, I263 etc..

I have already learned that with 95% of all these DVR files they have to work with, I can simply use a HEX editor and change the (for example) "SN40" to "H263", or any of the other odd name codecs to "H263" and then the video will play just fine in VLC and other players we have. Also Convert X to Dvd can then convert them to Dvd's without issues.

At first this worked fine. 2 - 3 video clips per week, now there is a lot more and I would like know if there is any way I can maybe copy the H263 codec file and rename it to use SN40. Basically so when a SN40 codec video is played it really uses the H263 codec instead of the non-found SN40.

Please note the SN40 is just an example. I have found a lot of these DVR's just change the codec names so you have to use their players to playback a file. Which in reality its just a renamed H263 codec. I would like to reverse this on the clients computers without having to modify each video clip. And I am assuming that creating a new codec with the correct name the video file has but then uses the H263 codec would be the best work around.

If anyone can let me know if you have found a way to do this, or any ideas on a better way without modifying the actual video files each time I would really appreciate your help.

[duckduck]

Well I ended up finally figuring out the answer I needed. Maybe this will help someone else in the future. All that was needed was two registry edits and a H263 codec dll.

First I found "txsh263.dll" on one of the DVR video export cds they create so people can install the DVR viewer to watch the video. If you google "txsh263.dll", nothing shows up, but im sure any H263 codec .dll will work.

I placed "txsh263.dll" to c:\windows\system32\txsh263.dll

Then I added the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32
Add a new "String Value" of "vidc.SN40" and then give it a value of "txsh263.dll"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\drivers.desc
Add a new "String Value" of "txsh263.dll" and give it a value of "H263 Patch"
^^ I dont know if the description above is 100% needed, but I added it anyways.

After that, I was able to play a "SN40" video file within Windows Media Player without making the hex editor changes first. I was also able to just dump it into Convert X to DVD as well.

**Please note it would NOT play in VLC with the default VLC settings, since VLC does not scan and use windows codecs by default.

I was able to patch all thoes unknown codecs for the DVR's "SN40, L263, K263, X263, I263" using the above steps.

[Baldrick]

THanks for posting your solution. I updated the thread title so it might be even easier for search robots to find it.