PDA

View Full Version : Codecs - information / what to get


blue_muppet
12-11-2005, 02:53 PM
Ok, so I dont have a totally sweet vid to post, however I do have some information regarding codecs and what to use. In a lot of threads I see the question "What codec do I use", or someone simply saying "omg, it wont play, it's broken".

For codecs, download ffdshow from here
http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=53761&package_id=48261&release_id=95213

Basically, its an open source codec for encoding / decoding many video and audio formats including xvid and divx. Downloading and installing this is a simple way to ensure that most compressed video formats will play on your PC.

Secondly, video players.
Dont use DivX player. In my previous experience, it was loaded with adware and probably spyware and offers nothing special when it comes to video playback.
Instead download either of these FREE media players:
Media Player Classic
from anywhere, but here is good: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Media_Player_Classic.htm

or VLC media player
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

Id probably recommend Media Player Classic just because it is lightweight and easier to use, whereas VLC is more feature packed for the advanced user. Also, both of these media players can play DVDs.

Thirdly, playing mov (quicktime) movies doesnt have to be done through the official quicktime player that can be downloaded from apple. I personally really dislike quicktime, so instead I use the Quicktime Alternative codec which also can be downloaded from free-codecs.com:
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QuickTime_Alternative.htm
Once the codec is installed, mov files can just be played with Media Player Classic or VLC.

I hope someone finds this useful. Maybe this should be made sticky but maybe its not important enough. Ill leave that up to the mods.

floody
12-11-2005, 03:05 PM
So, will any of those play that f#cking bastard shitty mp4 encoding? My 3ivx codec test period ran out...

blue_muppet
12-11-2005, 03:22 PM
damn was going to suggest 3ivx.

Tried searching sourceforge.net for an equivalent free open source program but their search server isnt working atm.

manny24
15-11-2005, 12:35 AM
cheers for the informative sites mate. yeah ive been using mediaplayer classic for a coupla years now- your right, its light and sweet to use ;)

trust in gravity
16-11-2005, 04:59 PM
any ideas for a poor lil' ol' mac user?( osx 10.2).

chie
17-11-2005, 06:47 PM
yeah for there's a version of vlc for macs, think they have versions for most platforms. I've been using it for 2 or so years, plays heaps of different types, excluding in my experience .wmv and .ram but they might have a new version.