[Tutorial] TroubleShooting Codec Problems
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2005 4:51 pm
If you are having trouble with playing back video clips you have downloaded from the internet, chances are it is due to a codec problem. Think of Codecs as little subprograms or filters that work with your video playback software to decode or decompress the information in a video file to the moving images and sounds you see displayed on your screen. If you do not have the codec that was used to create the video file, your PC will try to make do with the codecs you do have but often times the results are less than ideal.
For starters, head to Codec Information Appliance Homepage and download a copy of the free program G-Spot. This program will inspect the codecs installed on your machine and will permit you to manipulate these codecs in ways that it would be impossible to do without this program. Yoou can re-register, uninstall, and even set priority levels for the installed codecs. It will also point out missing or broken codec information and help you rectify these inconsistencies. Another feature of the program is you can open a video file with it and it will analyze that video file and tell you what codecs you need in order to play or view that file. If it uncovers a problem, a simple Google search will generate several remedies or places to download the missing codec.
Most playback codecs are free downloads so it is very easy to get your video files to playback without distortion or errors.
For starters, head to Codec Information Appliance Homepage and download a copy of the free program G-Spot. This program will inspect the codecs installed on your machine and will permit you to manipulate these codecs in ways that it would be impossible to do without this program. Yoou can re-register, uninstall, and even set priority levels for the installed codecs. It will also point out missing or broken codec information and help you rectify these inconsistencies. Another feature of the program is you can open a video file with it and it will analyze that video file and tell you what codecs you need in order to play or view that file. If it uncovers a problem, a simple Google search will generate several remedies or places to download the missing codec.
Most playback codecs are free downloads so it is very easy to get your video files to playback without distortion or errors.