What is a codec?
The word ‘codec’ is a concatenation of encoer/decoder. With respect to voice over IP, a codec is an algorithm used to encode and potentially compress the analogue voice signal into digital form to be transmitted over the Internet. At the remote end, that same codec is then used to decode and decompress the digital signal in order to reproduce the original analogue signal. There are a variety of different codecs available that offer varying levels of compression and quality. Mostly, the end user does not have to be concerned about codec selection as it is done automatically by your VoIP client and that of the person you are talking to (or the provider if you are calling the PSTN). We have created a summary sheet containing information about some of the more popular codecs used in voice over IP, as well as a table listing codec support amongst the popular VoIP hardware and software.
Codec stands for Coder-Decoder (some say Compressor-Decompressor) and is used to describe anything which turns data into another form for storage or transmission, then changes it back for use. In traditional broadcasting, a codec is a physical device which turns analog video and audio data into digital form to be sent out over the air. It is also capable of turning received digital information back into an analog format. In computers, a codec is used as a way of compressing video, images and audio to a more manageable size. The majority of codecs use a lossy method of compression, but some are lossless. Lossless codecs, such as MSU or Huffyuv, reproduce the original video exactly, with no subsequent loss if the video is re-encoded. The more common lossy codecs lose varying degrees of information, but can save substantial amounts of space. A lossy codec may be transformative, predictive, or a combination of both. A transformative codec cuts up the original image(s) or sound and quantize
Before we delve into the specifics of what codecs for windows media player 10 are available – it would be good just to explain a FEW of the fundamentals. So what exactly is a codec and why do we need them? Well simply put the term codec is short for: Compressor / Decompressor When you make an audio or video recording, the “raw” file that is created is often VERY large. This presents us with two major problems: Storage and Transmission. Lets look at an example of what I am referring to… The other month my younger brother got married. I decided to use my MiniDV camcorder to record the event and create a DVD as a memento of the occasion. I filled up TWO 60 minute tapes, so how much room will I need on my computer to store this video? Well the answer is 13 Gb’s per 60 minute tape! That’s 26 Gb’s in total. So not only am I going to make sure I have a large hard drive to store the video, there is also going to be huge problem if I try and transmit a file that size too. And that’s the twin
The term “codec” is short for “compress/decompress.” A codec is a piece of software that aids in the conversion of analog video to a digital format. The codec works in conjunction with the editing program to output your edited video to a file that is high in both picture and sound quality, in a manageable file size. Good codecs allow the user to adjust where emphasis lies. Lifeboat Media uses the PicVideo MJPEG codec for as many projects as possible, because of its phenomenal quality and outstanding flexibility.
