Digital compression programs make it possible for large video files to be reduced in size for easy file transfer and storage. The Xvid codec is one such program, storing video in a compressed file format while preserving picture quality. But Xvid is not a file format; a video encoded with Xvid codec download is called an MPEG-4 ASP (Motion Picture Experts Group-4 Advanced Simple Profile) file. The MPEG-4 ASP file can be played on any device that supports this video file format.
Probably the best thing about Xvid codec download is its open source nature, meaning you don’t have to pay a cent to use it. Using the Xvid source code, you can even create a better version of Xvid if that’s up your alley. Xvid was a product of the 2001 OpenDivX project, with the goal of producing an open-source MPEG-4 based software decoder. The project was discontinued in favor of producing the proprietary DivX codec, but some of the original developers continued to work on the open source software, which later became Xvid.
Xvid Codec Download – Compression and Decompression
Video codecs are software programs or hardware devices used to compress and decompress digital video. Xvid codec download is a software library, a collection of programs that convert data into signals and signals into data that can be played and edited.
How does Xvid encode digital videos? Xvid’s conversion system uses the discrete cosine transform (DCT) standard of video compression. A video file is encoded by converting its data units into frequencies using mathematical formulas called algorithms. The frequencies are used to create a high-quality signal. The signals are then decrypted by Xvid to play or edit the video.
A compressed file is reduced in size, but the quality of the video is virtually preserved. The ultimate goal of compression is to reduce a video file into its smallest size without the viewer being able to tell the difference in quality between the original video and the compressed one.
Xvid codec download uses the MPEG-4 Part 2 standard. Xvid codec download can compress standard and high definition digital video at 200:1 ratio or higher. This means that Xvid can compress a 5 GB DVD movie into a 700 MB file that can fit into a single CD, all the while retaining the video quality. Compared with other encoders like DivX, Xvid codec download can compress files faster and more efficiently.
Xvid Codec Download – Viewing XVID Files
Most media players can play Xvid’s MPEG-4 ASP file format. Windows Media Player, QuickTime and open-source VLC player can play this format as long as the program has access to the Xvid codec. The Xvid codec download “tells” the medial player how to decompress or “read” the file.
Xvid codec download is free to download and free to use. Download it at Xvid Codec. The Xvid project only releases the source code, and third parties host the installers or .exe files. The source code can be used on any platform including Mac OS X, but you may need to do a bit of digging to find Mac .exe installers for Xvid. Make sure to select a version compatible with your operating system.
When download is finished, double click the Xvid file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the codec. Your media player will be automatically updated with the codec. Launch the player and click “Open” to open your Xvid (MPEG-4 ASP format) file. If you get errors or you still can’t play the file, try using VLC media player. It supports nearly all video and audio formats, and it’s completely free. You can download the program at www.videolan.org.