| Codec/ Extension |
Other Collected Codec types |
Press to test |
Link to download the Codec
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| ASF
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Streaming video format by
Microsoft. Reportedly, this was to be Microsoft's answer to Real
Media's RM Video format, that would offer smooth video at relatively
low data rates. Not forgotten but seemingly being bypassed by Wmv. It can be
viewed by Windows users with the fewest problems, other than that you
will
need a fairly fast computer to view the files smoothly. Drawbacks to
asf
include the current lack of joining software (PPasf??) and it doesn't
Rewind
or Fast Forward well. To compress in asf, use the free MS
NetshowOn Demand Producer.
On the Mac, the only application that
can view asf is the Microsoft Media Player. One particular caveat for
Macs
MS Media Player (in beta) - It will play ONLY asf files. Advanced
Streaming format by Microsoft. Now, lets see.... this was the new
improved streaming codec just for the new streaming codec, before
the..... |
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| DirectX
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DirectX by Mircosoft is for all
intents becoming a main underlying component of many of today's newest
codecs.
Developers currently are allowed to "hitch" their drivers to direct
show
to obtain faster bit rate flows than they could get without it. Again,
not
a codec, but Macies as well as Wintelers should keep DirectX up-to-date
for the best results. |
No Test |
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| .EV2
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by Emblaze; which, after a buy out
or
two went to on2tech. Java propelled, there's nothing to add to your
system. The first part of the clip is a small java applet the opens
your browser and runs the clips. Despite the Ev2 extension as referred
to above, the sample clip from Emblaze left a "swf" extension file on
my drive when downloaded (see swf). Since it's purchase several changes
have occurred to the propriety nature of ev2, preventing anyone failing
to download the sometimes hidden html script with the java applet from
ever hoping to play it. |
No Test |
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| FDD
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ffdshow is a DirectShow (see
directX)
decoding filter for decompressing DIVX and XVID movies using the
libavcodec,
or xvid with rich set of video postprocessing filters. ffdshow can also
be used as a separate postprocessing filter for other decoders. |
No Test |
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| Ogg -
Ogm
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The Ogg Vorbis DirectShow filter
collection let you embed and decode Most video and audio streams
but MPEG2, and text streams. You can select the desired audio /
subtitle channel with standard interfaces in Windows Media Player as
well as other players. |
No Test |
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| RM or
Ram
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RM -- RealMedia streaming video
format.
Chosen by some cappers because of the
small file size relative to .AVI or other formats. Like asf, the
format is proprietary. Recent announcement of Intel's joining
RealMedia
in developing the next version of the codec have lead to me leavingthis
format an open ended question. Mostly, you will need the
RealPlayer to view the files, free on the RealMedia site, but you'll
have to wade through a pile
of pitches for their $30 dollar viewer to find it.
Real Media's real advantage is also it's
curse. During compression on the Real Media Producer you may
elect to use a multistreaming mode, from 14.4 to T3 streams. This will
cause the resulting file to have multilayered copies of the sourcefile
that will be played back based on the exchange of data between the
player and the file. Great maybe for use on the web, if you set
up on a RealMedia server and
want "One file fits All", but for usenet I would strongly suggest that
cappers select a single speed, and keep the filesize down. |
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| *.swf
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Once closely linked to Ev2 file
types, swf has become (seemingly) a Flash file type. You know flash -
those web sties with the loud and active animated opening page??? If
you've got a *swf file, give Swiff Player by GlobFx a shot. It's a FREE
stand-alone player that enables Flash users to quickly play their Flash
movies. Swiff Player offers a variety of playback capabilities. |
No Test |
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| VIV
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VIV -- Vivo streaming video format,
bought out by Real Media in 1998. You might find the player on an
archive site, or you can add the plugin to your Real Player. |
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| VGPX
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Sun MicroSystems entry into the vids
world. Written in java and coded for the streaming market. Untested as
of now. |
Test |
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| WMV
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WMV
- It seems that MS has abandoned ASF as
a video format and replaced it with WMV. The new codec seems to do a
better job than MP43 and the new WMA audio codec is as good or better
than MP3.
Notice to anyone considering loading
Windows Media Player 9, and possibly the WMV9 codec pack:
Once you have installed the 9 player, you WILL NOT be able to remove
the digatal rights managment system from your computer. It has also
been
pointed out in the "d" group that the newest version of MS player 6.4,
despite having the same version number, will now allow the installation
of the wmv9 codec and retain the abelity to play it. This is the change
between
wmv2 that was used in all versions through 9.02, and those above it.
1. Try a installing 6.4 again using the current version on the MS web
site under MPlayer for win95/98.
2. Also done and seems to work for some
is to allow M$ to install the new MP9, then before it calls home,
uninstall using the "custom option". You might need to reset your file
associations for wmv to MP2. This left the codec for wmv behind, and
worked fine for me. |
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