A codec is software used to encode (compress) and decode (decompress) audio or video data in a file. AAC and MP3 are common examples of audio codecs.
A container is an audio or video file format used to store data compressed by a codec. MP4 and AVI are common examples of video containers.
Some containers, such as MPEG-4 video files, may contain audio compressed with different codecs. To properly play back a file, the proper codec(s) must be installed on the PC. If a codec is missing, the file will not properly play back.
To convert a video or audio file, the proper codecs for opening the file must be installed, as well as the proper codecs for encoding the data to the new file format.
To play back a compressed video file on a PC, the appropriate codecs
must first be installed. If Windows Media Player could not find the required
codec from its default database and its online data, it will report an
error. To resolve the error, follow the procedures below.
- Determine the codecs used to encode the video. See Codec Check Utilities below.
- Check the installed codecs to determine which codecs required by the video file are not currently installed. See Codec Check Utilities below.
- Download and install any missing codec(s) as listed in the utilities.
- Verify a media player capable of playing the file is installed on the PC. Some proprietary file types require special media players.
If there is still a problem with video playback, contact the distributor of the file to determine any additional codecs that may be needed for playback. Also try playing the video file from a different PC. If the video plays back, there is still a missing or a corrupt codec on the previous PC.
- Open Windows Media Player
- Click Help
- On the options, choose About Windows Media Player
- On the information box, click on Technical Support information
- This should open an internet explorer page that shows system information.
Third party utilities can analyze a video file to determine what codec was used to compress the audio portion of the file and what codec was used to compress the video. The following are some of these utilities:
Important Notes |
- Creative Labs cannot guarantee the accuracy or functionality of third party programs. Any questions or technical support must be directed to the distributor of the software.
|
For a list of default codecs that are included with Windows Media Player
10 and Windows XP Service Pack 2, please refer to Microsoft
KB article 899113.
For additional assistance with Windows Media Player 11, please refer
to http://www.microsoft.com/codec/FAQ
Utilities for Listing Codecs Used to Compress Videos
Utilities for Listing Codecs on a PC
Some common codecs can be downloaded from the following websites:
