Understanding codecs and containers
A container is what is often referred to as a file format. This container file can have different types of codecs within it and is represented by a file extension. Example containers are .AVI, .MOV, .MPG, .MKV etc.
On the other hand, codecs are algorithms that compress your audio and video data to make the resulting file lighter so it occupies comparatively less storage and can be transmitted faster. There are hundreds of codecs available, each of them supported by a particular container format. Discussed below are some of the most common containers used today.
AVI: AVI, short for Audio Video Interleave is a container format developed by Microsoft. AVI files can comprise of a variety of different codecs and the most common ones used are DivX and XviD. These files are typically less compressed than other formats and hence offer a better quality. They can be played on Windows Media Player, VLC Player, ALLPlayer and DivX player to name a few.
MOV: MOV is a container developed by Apple for their native QuickTime Player. Although it was originally designed to support only Mac systems, it is now compatible with Windows as well. Windows Media Player, VLC player, Quick Time Player are some of the media players that support MOV files. And MOV files typically use the MPEG-4 codecs for compression.
MP4: Whenever you download a file from the internet or use a DVD ripping tool, you will find the video in MP4 format. MP4 contains the MPEG-4 codec and is one of the most versatile formats supported by many video programs and devices.
WMV: WMV stands for Windows Media Video. It is basically a container developed by Microsoft that contains codecs developed by Microsoft. WMV can be played on Windows Media Player, Quick Time Pro, Cyberlink PowerDVD etc.
Common issues when playing video files
Now that we’ve covered the basics of codecs and containers, let us understand some common issues you can encounter while playing video files. Errors like ‘Cannot play the file’, ‘The codec used in the file is not supported by the media player’ are some of the most common ones. These problems usually occur when the codec used in the file is not supported by the media player you’re trying to play the video file with. In order to resolve this problem, download the necessary codec packs available and try to play the file.
If this doesn’t help and you still have issues playing, it could be probably because of corruption in the video file. In such cases, the file can be repaired using tools like Hi5 MOV repair software. It can repair all kinds of issues in MOV and MP4 files. It can be used in cases when the file is infected by virus or damage to the video file is caused by converting file formats or playing the file using incompatible media players.
The software works with all versions of Mac and Windows OS. Just download a trial and check out the software for free!
