An Introduction about Codecs and Codec Packs

“Codec” is a technical term for compression/decompression. In addition, its definitive meaning is compress/decompress and code/decode. Many of these variations have a similar meaning. A Codec is software format that minimizes large video files, and make them usable on computers. Codecs are required for media players, so they could play media formats. Without them playing music and movies will be unbearable. Consider the fact that compressed files basically include a number of the data perfectly located at the original file, the codec could be the necessary “translator” that decides what data causes it to be in the compressed version and what data gets discarded.  Sometimes the gap is noticeable, sometimes not. It’s good to understand that codecs are fantastic for what they are, to be able to keep up with the best ratio of quality to quality video playback.

Why do we need Codecs?

Video and music files in general are large compressed files. They are difficult to transfer or upload on the Internet quickly due to its bulkiness. To help speed up the process, mathematical codes “codecs” were built to encode (“shrink”) a signal for transmission and then decode it for viewing or editing across the other server (user). Without Codecs, downloads would take three to five times longer than they do now, and off course takes three to five times the storage. Even in other forms of data transfer coming from compacts disks, movies and music stored in them have formats that media player need to decode first if it is playable. Common Codecs that a lot of people use are: MP3, WMA, Mpegs, Avi and Xvid. In addition, other unfamiliar codecs like; 3GP mobile videos, M4v videocams, and DivX require decoders for playback. A number of users use for file compression methods like .7zip, .rar, and .iso.

How do I know what codec’s I need?

It depends on the files you are consuming and how they have been optimized for size and quality.  There are hundreds of codecs being used on the Internet, and you will need these combinations that specifically run files. There are Codecs for, videoconferencing, playing mp3’s, speech synthesizers, or screen recording. Due to file sharing capabilities, and to make matters more confusing, a number of people choose to use very unfamiliar codecs to shrink their files. In most cases, it will be very frustrating to users who download these files. Because, the availability of these formats is not compatible on their media player. If downloading files is your thing, you will probably need ten to twelve codecs at least, to play music and movies.

What Media Players are there available playing these files?

Media players have prebuilt in Codecs used to decompress files. Windows media players can play standard formats like, avi, wmv, mpeg’s, and mp3. Windows prompts an error if the format is not playable and will give you the information needed on how to run the file, codecs are then put to use. While windows have limited data to run files. VLC, on the other hand, has more decoders that could play almost any file. VLC is the most topped used player for running unfamiliar formats. Due to its array of decompression tools, VLC has the capability to run unknown media formats. Furthermore, a great advantage about VLC is that it’s availability on all platforms; it can be installed and run on Windows, Mac, and Linux. VLC developed by VideoLan organization is an Open Source project, which means it is free for download under legal terms.

Playing Videos on Fast Video Cataloger How do I know which Codec to download and install for FVC?

Fast Video Cataloger uses Windows Media Player to run video files. Run the videos using the windows media player. If there is something wrong with the video, the media player will prompt you that it is not compatible for playback. If you are using different versions of windows, certain codecs are sometimes missing for some data files. For example, .m4v or DivX formats cannot be played via windows media player. In order to solve the problem with running formats, you need to install a codec that can support the media file.

What are the codecs I should download and install that could work for FVC?

An error will be prompted to you pertaining to the problem in playing those formats. For a new user, this can be stressful and time consuming. Besides, since there is no assurance that a video file will play to a certain Codec. Because Codecs can be a combination of formats used to compress the files. Looking for the specific decoder tool would take a lot of your time.

Codec pack is a good way to support playing many variations of video file formats. Codec packs are collections of codecs gathered in single large files. Codec packs have built-in decoders to know which files are running on the media player. Having to setup them up will help your media player decode formats. There are a number of codec packs to choose from, codec packs are open source, so its free. Although, on selecting a codec pack, be sure to check whether it’s vital to obtain a large selection of codec files or not. Due to its huge compressions, having to download a virus free codec will be the best thing to do. On the other hand, due to its straightforward approach on installing, this could be the least-frustrating solution for new users.

Common and Popular Codecs Packs Available for Download  

CCCP Combined Community Codec Pack is among the best codec packages you can download. Straightforward installation, CCCP had been supported by users who like to upload and stream videos online. The codecs they have opted for are equipped for 99 percent of video formats that are streamed on the internet. Downloading videos off the internet and playing it on your media player will be fast and easy. Therefore, take CCCP into account if you feel as your computer needs up-to-date Codecs.

FFDshow Codec PackIs the most basic Codec pack.  The codec pack is encoded for MPEG-4 decoders and is required to play almost all quality video formats especially in video recorded formats. In conclusion, the FFDshow uses less CPU power compared to original DivX or XviD Codecs, in spite of greatest post-processing. While doing so, the post-processing usually gives good quality benefits. In addition, enables customized set up compared to earliest DivX Codec.

XP Codec Pack XP Codec Pack is a collection of codecs that also offers a good bitrate playback and has a solid Media Player Classic pre-installed. It was developed to be tied with an XP version of windows with just under 6MB in size, the contender for lightweight codec packs. XP Codec pack, one of the most functional Codecs needed to play all basic audio and video formats, especially if you still like it old school.

K-Lite Codec Pack is packed with codec’s for your pro and basic performance needs. Capable of playing every popular movie formats. K-Lite is available in 4 packages: Basic, Standard, Full and Mega. This codec pack is best suited for a user who has the ability to tweak performance levels on bitrate conversions on Codecs. Playing standard formats like DivX, Xvid, and popular codecs – they have everything a user need to play the most commonly encountered file formats. Full pack, created for power users, has more codecs plus encoding support. K-Lite Mega Codec Pack Mega is a very comprehensive bundle… It has everything but a kitchen sink. Mega even contains QuickTime Alternative and Realvid Alternatives.

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