A codec may refer to any of the following:

  1. Short for compression/decompression, a codec is an algorithm or special computer program that reduces the number of bytes consumed by large files. Codecs are often used with videos distributed over the Internet, allowing what would normally be a very large video file to be smaller. Users familiar with MP3 audio files can think of a Divx or XviD codec as the MP3 of video formats.

  2. In communication, a codec is short for coder/decoder. A codec is a chip that decodes analog-to-digital conversion and digital-to-analog.

To resolve codec related issues, users should download the latest codec from either the media player provider or from the developer of the video or audio file being played.

Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP users can view the audio and video codecs installed on their computer by opening the “Sound, video, and game controllers” category in the Device Manager.

Where to get codecs?

One of our most recommended codec packs is the CCCP, also known as the Combined Community Codec Pack. You can download CCCP from several software download sites, including MajorGeeks and Techspot.

Also, Codecs.com is another great source of codecs, including the “Codec Pack All in 1” package of codec software.

Computer acronyms, Encoder, Video terms, WMV

  • Why can I only hear and not see a video I downloaded?
  • No sound in Windows Media Player.