CODEC is a program that reduces the number of bytes contained in large files (similar to WinZIP) so that they can be stored on storage media and then played back. Typically used to compress and decompress multimedia files such as songs or videos (CODEC is actually short for CO compression / DEC compression, ie compression / decompression). There are audio and video codecs. MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Vorbis, DivX, … are examples of CODEC.
The main difference between a CODEC and a compression algorithm like WinZIP is that in CODECs the compression / decompression is done in real time. This means that while CODEC is watching a video behind the scenes, it processes the data stream by unpacking it. A CODEC can consist of two parts: an encoder for compressing the multimedia file (encoding) and a decoder for decompressing the file (decoding). Some CODECs can contain both parts, others only one.
CODECs can be installed and updated on older computers or multimedia devices or integrated in dedicated hardware components (e.g. CD or DVD players). CODECs should not be confused with containers. A container contains one or more streams that have already been coded by CODEC. Very often you will find an audio and a video stream in the container at the same time. AVI, Ogg, MOV, ASF, … are examples of containers. while others just one of them.
CODECs should not be confused with containers. A container contains one or more streams that have already been coded by CODEC. Very often you will find an audio and a video stream in the container at the same time. AVI, Ogg, MOV, ASF, … are examples of containers. Very often you will find an audio and a video stream in the container at the same time. AVI, Ogg, MOV, ASF, … are examples of containers. Very often you will find an audio and a video stream in the container at the same time. AVI, Ogg, MOV, ASF, … are examples of containers.
Where can I find the CODEC?
If Tizio creates a document with the Word program and sends it to Caio, the latter must use the Word program to open it. If a film is compressed with the XYZ-CODEC, the same CODEC must be used for the display.
At this point the question arises: Where can the CODECs be found? CODECs are available on the Internet. There are dozens of audio and video formats and related CODECs. However, there is no point in downloading them individually and then installing them on the computer. It is much better to download a collection of CODECs like K-Lite Codec Pack. K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of CODEC for Microsoft Windows, with which the operating system can play various audio and video formats that are not supported by default.
In addition to CODECs, the K-Lite Codec Package can also contain other tools, including: Media Player Classic for playing multimedia files, information tools such as Media Info and tools for editing CODECs. There are four versions of the K-Lite codec package:
Basic – Plays many of the popular video file formats, e.g. B. AVI, MKV, MP4, OGM and FLV
Standard: Contains everything that is required to reproduce the most commonly used formats.
Full: Supports multiple audio and video formats. It also has coding support
Mega: combines the content of “K-Lite Codec Pack (Full)” and Real Alternative. In the past, it also included QuickTime Alternative. QuickTime Alternative (with Media Player Classic) and QT Lite (without Media Player Classic) are now available as separate programs
The standard version is for the average user, while the full version is for advanced users who edit and decode videos. The K-Lite Codec Pack is updated regularly and contains everything you need to play all movies and music. Any uninstallation will also remove everything that has been installed from the package.
