What is a codec? Why do I need codecs?

Codecs are composed of two words - code and decode - a computer software that uses compression to reduce the size of a large file or convert between analog and digital audio.You will often see this word with audio and video, which is audio codec and video codec.

Why do codecs need to be done?

Movie and music files are often very large, making it difficult to share via the internet.To increase download speed, mathematical codecs are used to encode, or shorten the transmission signal, then decode to view and edit.If there is no codec, downloading video and audio files will take 3 to 5 times longer now.

How many codecs are needed?

The Internet currently has hundreds of codecs and you will often have to use a combination to play the file.There are codecs for compressing audio, video, multimedia files over the network, presentations, video meetings, MP3 playback, and screen shots.

Many people when sharing files on the network also use strange codecs to compress files.That makes it difficult for users to download any codecs when downloading.Normally, you will need about 10 to 12 codecs to play music and movies.

Popular codec types

In addition to popular codecs like MP3, WMA, RealVideo, RealAudio, DivX or XviD, there are many other codecs.

AVI is a popular file extension that is attached to many video files, but it is not a codec itself.In fact, it's just a container format that many codecs can use.Hundreds of codecs are compatible with AVI content, so it is difficult to know which codec is needed to play the file.

How to know which codec to download and install?

Codec is indispensable for watching video and audio

Because there are so many codec options, a codec pack is the most convenient option.The codec pack contains many codecs in one file.Is there still a debate that there is a need for such codecs but it is clear that this will be easier when users need to download and play files.

Here are some codec packs you should use.

1. CCCP (Combined Community Codec Pack) is one of the most diverse codec packs available.CCCP is used by people who share and watch movies online.Codecs in this package can help watch 99% of video formats.Consider using CCCP if your computer needs to update codecs.
2. X Codec Pack is an all-in-one codec pack, with no ads or tracking software and is also quite compact so it doesn't take long.X Codec Pack is one of the most complete codec packs, containing all the codecs you need to play popular audio and video formats.
3. K-Lite Codec Pack helps to play all popular movie formats.K-Lite includes 4 versions: Basic, Standard, Full and Mega.If you only need to play DivX and XviD videos, Basic is only possible.Standard packages are the most popular, having everything the average user needs to play popular formats.Full packages for users require higher, not only more codecs but also support encode.
4. The K-Lite Mega Codec Pack is a comprehensive package, containing everything you need.Mega even has Media Player Classic.

If you use Windows Media Player, you will find the software often shows 4-character code about a codec that it needs.Then, find this codec on the FOURCC page to find the missing codec.

Another way to download codecs is to download the player containing the available codec.Sometimes players also install popular and important codecs the first time you install the software.VLC is a good choice because it plays all kinds of formats.

FOURCC codec list page https://www.fourcc.org/codecs.php

See more:

1. 3 best free Codec Media packages for Windows 7
2. What to do when not watching movies on PC (Part 1)
3. How to convert H.264 video format to another format?