Codecs for Videos

• The Video Codecs is a method of compression or decompression of video files, video data or streaming video format.
•  A Video Codec is a computer program that both shrinks large movie files, and makes them playable on our computer.

Difference between Video Codecs and file formats:

• A file format is like a type of container. Inside the container is data that has been compressed by using a particular codec. 
• And for a container that can obtain a different encoding format video and audio. And sometimes they have the same name.
• For example, a file format such as Windows Media Audio(WMA) contains data that is compressed by using the Windows Media Audio(WMA) Codec.

Some Video Codecs software's are:

• Microsoft Codecs
• WMV(Widows Media Video)
• MS MPEG-4v3
• Google Codecs
• VP6
• VP6-E
• DivX
• MPEG(Motion Picture Experts Group)

Codecs Packs:

• Codec Packs are collection of codecs gathered in single large file.
• Online video material is encoded by a variety of Codec Packs.  Some Codec Packs come along with installer for PC's.
• Some Codecs Packs are:
• CCCP(Combined Community Codec Pack)
• XP Codec Pack
• K-Lite Codec Pack

How to know installed Codecs in windows:
Through MSINFO Utility (for all Windows):

• Go to Run and type “MSINFO32”.
• Expand the Components  Link and below it, Expand Multimedia and there it is…the list of all codecs under audio and video. As shown below:

Through Media Player:

•  Open Windows Media Player
•  Press the ALT key to access the menus drop-down.
•  Follow “Help” then “About Windows Media Player”
•  Click on the “Technical Support Information” link in the About Window
•  It will generate a browser window showing the list of codecs on your PC.It looks as shown below:

Applications of Video Codecs:

• In DVD and Video CD players
• Personal Computers
• Video Broadcast Systems
• Streaming purpose and in other applications.

Examples for Video Codecs: