When you use this HEVC codec Windows 10 for video display, you can adjust the subtitles, video and audio as you like. But this H265 encorder is only compatible with Windows. If only it also worked on Mac like DVDFab Player 6! (7) MPV (Windows/Mac) MPV player is a HEVC codec Windows 10 media software. It is developed based on mplayer2 and MPlayer. A digital video file (e.g.mov,.mp4 or.avi) is a container that encapsulates one or more video and audio streams. Each of these streams again is encoded using an industry standard codec (e.g. Mp3 or aac for audio, H.264/AVC or MPEG-2 for video). Recommendations for optimal playback of video in Live.

• Quicktime Codecs For Mac
• Video Codecs Download
• Mp4 Codec Mac
• Codec For Video For Mac Windows 10
• Wmv Codec For Mac

When you download video files from the Internet, there is always a chance they won’t play properly or won’t play at all. It may happen because the file wasn’t uploaded correctly by its owner or your Internet connection is not good enough and the file was downloaded with the gaps. One more reason might be the lack of necessary codecs to play this particular file on your PC.

What is a Video Codec?

A video codec is a software or sometimes a piece of hardware that compresses and decompresses digital video. In other words, a codec processes raw digital video and stores it in a stream of bytes. It converts uncompressed video to a compressed format to take up less space on your computer and vice versa. A video codec is usually identified by ‘fourcc’, a four character code. For example, MPEG, DivX, HEVC, etc.

In fact, there is a huge list of codecs that you can find online. Of course, a majority of videos are encoded with the help of most popular codecs mentioned above and can be played with almost any multimedia player. However, there are rare codecs from special video cameras that can be viewed with VLC or a similar player with a proper codec library.

A video codec isn’t the same as a video format or container. A container is a bundle of files. Inside it, you can find data that has been compressed by using a particular codec. For example, an AVI file can contain video compressed by XviD, or DivX, or MPEG-2 codecs. Usually, a container comprises a video and audio codecs, plus it can also contain other files like subtitles and chapters. Popular video formats or containers are AVI, MP4, WMV, MKV, MOV, FLV, etc.

SEE ALSO: How to Reduce Video File Size
SEE ALSO: 5 Easiest Ways to Add Captions to Video Free and Fast

Types of Video Codecs

All the codecs may be divided into the following types:

1. Lossless codecs. These codecs (H.264, Lagarith, Huffyuv) reproduce a video as-is, without any quality loss. Videos encoded with lossless codec usually have great quality but take a lot of hard drive space.
2. Lossy codecs. Although lossy codecs (Xvid, DivX, VP3, MPEG4) lose some amount of video information, videos with such codecs occupy less space than lossless ones. Lossy codecs can be transformative, predictive, or a combination of both types. The 1st type cuts up the original file and quantizes it into a more efficient space. The 2nd ones get rid of all unnecessary data and also save space.

Now let’s examine the most popular video codecs.

MPEG codecs

Among the most recognized codecs, there are those based on MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standards. MPEG-1 codec provides high-quality video and MP3 sound that can be played on all modern music devices.MPEG-2 is the only video compression standard for DVD and some Blu-ray discs. While the MPEG-1 codec allows for only progressive scanning, MPEG-2 also supports interlacing. MPEG-4 handles both progressive and interlaced video, and it provides better compression techniques and smaller output video size than MPEG-2.

SEE ALSO:Free DVD Burnerby Freemake: Best Software for Home Users

H.264

One more well-known codec worth mentioning is H.264. It’s the most popular choice for HD video. It can use both lossy and lossless compression depending on the settings that you choose (frame rate, frame size, and file size). H.264 is up to 2 times more efficient as basic MPEG-4 compression, which leads to smaller file sizes and seamless playback on more devices. It’s clear wht H.264 is so widely used: from web videos to Blu-ray movies.

SEE ALSO: How to Convert MTS Videos from Blu-ray to MP4

XviD/DivX

DivX is a commercial codec, while XviD is its open source alternative. The DivX codec can compress lengthy video segments into small sizes while maintaining relatively high visual quality. Most of the DivX videos use AVI file extension and DivX or Div extensions.

HEVC

High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265, is a new video compression standard, which was developed with the goal of providing twice the compression efficiency of the previous standard, H.264. It’s particularly useful for streaming 4K video and Blu-ray. However, this video codec has been only gaining popularity and is not yet supported by all the media software.

How to identify a video codec?

Let’s learn how you can identify what codec is used in your video and choose a right codec finder. The best option to determine a codec in your video is install free software that will do the job for you. Here are what you should do to identify a codec:

1. Download and install a software from the list below.
2. Open your video file in it.
3. Get the full info about the video codec used.
4. Get the necessary video codec if you don’t have it on your PC.

Here is the list of useful codec identifying tools:

MediaInfo

MediaInfo is one of the most popular tools to show you complete information about your multimedia file. The software will guide you to a site where you can download the necessary codecs. Sometimes it even shows what media player can reproduce video files of a kind. For example, the software suggests using QuickTime to play MP4 files. Of course, it’s not the only option available. But if you don’t have time to search for a better tool, this quick solution is right what you need.

GSpot

GSpot is a choice of advanced users. It provides a huge amount of information about a file. As soon as you analyze the file with GSpot, it will show you what codecs you need and whether you’ve already had them on your PC. If not, you’ll have to copy the codec name and google for it manually.
Unfortunately, the software looks abandoned and doesn’t give you the info about the latest codecs. However, in case you have a large collection of old video files, you might find it helpful.

SuperEasy Codec Checker

SuperEasy Codec Check can be used both by beginners and professional users. It supports over 67 media files formats. The software analyzes files really fast and gives only the main details without making you go deep into tech information. After adding your file, you just get the recommendations for missing codecs.

VideoInspector

VideoInspector, as it’s clear from its name, inspects the media data of your video file. It can help you find the required codecs for MKV, AVI, MPEG, and QuickTime files. Please note that it doesn’t support a popular MP4 format, WMV, and FLV. The great thing is that VideoInspector not only shows you the information about your media file, but also tells you if the file is corrupted or not. In case the necessary codec is missing on your PC, the software will show you a red cross and provide a link to a website where you can get it for free.

SEE ALSO: How to Convert MKV to MP4 in 3 Clicks Only

Ready Video Codec Packs

Nowadays there is a good number of media players like VLC that can handle an astonishing number of video and audio file with various codecs. However, some codecs might need additional software for their playback. In case you don’t want to overload your operating system with dozens of media players, you can also install a special codec pack that usually contain all the main audio and video codecs and help your default player reproduce films and music.

K-Lite Codec Pack

K-Lite Codec Pack is a well-known free codec compilation software. It’s easy to install and use. The tool contains an impressive codec library which gets regular updates. You can choose among four versions of this product.

• K-lite Codec Pack Basic contains only the main codecs you might need.
• K-lite Codec Pack Standard provides codecs to all most popular audio and video files.
• K-Lite Codec Pack Full gives more specialized codec libraries.
• K-Lite Codec Pack Mega is for those who’d like to have everything that is possible.

Recently K-Lite Codec Pack has added full decoding support for the new HEVC (H.265) video codec.

X Codec Pack

X Codec Pack (formerly XP Codec Pack) is a great alternative to K-Lite in case you don’t want to use it for any reason. Like the previous software, X Codec Pack contains all codecs that you might need to play popular and rare videos files. There are two drawbacks here. First of all, the tool is that it doesn’t get regular updates. Thus, you might need to wait for some time for new codecs to be added. The 2nd issue is that a full codec pack may interfere with your media player and cause problems in its performance.

How to Change a Video Codec?

If you downloaded a video with a codec that can’t be played on your TV, you can easily convert it to a more popular one with Freemake.

Follow a simple guide below:

1. Install Freemake Video Converter on a Windows-based PC or laptop.
2. Launch the software and add your video file by pressing the “+Video” button. You can also drag-b-drop the files into the software.
3. Check what video format is supported by your device and select the corresponding format in Freemake Video Converter.
4. Click the blue gear button to edit a current preset or choose “Add your preset” option.
5. Insert the necessary audio and video settings (codec, bitrate, fps, etc).
6. Click “OK”.
7. Click the “Convert” button to start the conversion process.

When the video is converted, try to play it on your TV or any other device. If everything is OK, convert more videos in the same way.

Now you know how to distinguish, install and work with videos codecs. If this post was helpful, please share it with your mates to let them enjoy any type of video on their PCs for free.

Quicktime Codecs For Mac

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Summary: Are you unable to watch videos on computer or phone due to unsupported video codec error? Learn the best ways to fix unsupported video format or codec error on your Windows, Mac or Android.

It’s annoying to receive unsupported video codec or format errors as they don’t let you play videos.

‘Missing codec. An item was encoded in a format that’s not supported.’

‘Windows Media Player cannot play the file because the required video codec is not installed on your computer.’

‘A codec is required to play this file.’

‘Invalid File Format.’

An error occurred. Unsupported file format.’

You can get such error messages when trying to play a video on PC, Mac, Smart TV, Android or other devices. Unsupported format errors are also reported while trying to open a file in video editing tools.

Why does unsupported codec or format error occur?

The error as obvious with the messages, appears due to absence of a codec that is required to play the video file on your computer or smartphone.

Technically, a video file comprises a codec and a container. A container is the file format that contains the file metadata while codec is required to encode or decode the video data.

So if your media player or device doesn’t support the video format or codec, it won’t play the video file.

Other than lack of supporting codec, the invalid file format error may also appear when the video file is corrupt.

How to fix an unsupported video codec error?

There are various ways to deal with the unsupported format problem in videos.

Either convert the file format to one that is supported by your media player or change the player itself. You can also consider installing the supporting codec on your system to play the video s.

Below are the methods to fix unsupported codec error and play the videos on your device in any media player:

Method 1: Play video in another media player

Method 2: Download the missing codecs

• How to download codec in Windows Media Player
• How to download codec in VLC Player
• Get codec pack for your PC or Mac

Method 3: Convert the video file format

• Online video converters
• Desktop video converters
• Convert file format using VLC Player

Method 4: Repair video codec error using Stellar Repair for Video

Method 1: Play video in a different media player

Not every media player supports all video file formats. For instance, QuickTime Player only supports MOV, MPEG, some AVI, and WAV files. It cannot play other formats such as AVCHD, MKV or WEBM, etc.

Similarly, Windows Media Player won’t play FLV or FLAC files due to absence of their codecs.

If videos are giving codec error in one media player, try with another. May be the default media player of your device doesn’t support the video file format.

Get VLC Media Player to fix video codec error on Android, Mac or Windows. The player is compatible with most file formats including MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, AVCHD, etc. You can even watch DVD movies on VLC Player.

There are many free open source multimedia players. Try 5K Player, PotPlayer, Winamp, KMPlayer, Roxio Popcorn, and others.

Also, you can search online, which media players support your video file format and install that on your system.

If video file gives unsupported codec error on Mac, right-click on the file. Click on ‘Open With’ option. Mac may suggest all the installed apps that can play the video.

Method 2: Download the missing video codecs

If the ‘video codec is not supported’ error appears on Windows or Mac, then download the codec.

Search the web for the supported codec of your video file type to install the right codec.

Another option is to install a complete codec pack such as K-Lite for Windows and Perian for Mac. A codec pack extends support for the default media player on your system. A pack would contain codec for almost all file formats.

However, be aware that there may be malicious ads for codec downloads. This can put your computer at risk. Make sure you download codecs from a trusted source, preferably from the manufacturer’s site.

Some players such as Windows Media player and VLC also have the provision for automatic download of codecs. You can try that as well.

Steps to fix video codec not supported in Windows Media Player:

• Open Windows Media Player.
• Go to Tools > Options.
• Click on Player tab.
• Select the Download codecs automatically check box and make sure you have a continuous internet connection.
• Click OK.
• Next, play your video file in the player. A message will prompt to install codec.
• Click Install.

Steps to download codec in VLC Player

• Open VLC Media Player.
• Click Help >> Check for Updates.

• Click Yes. This will automatically download the new codecs also.

Method 3: Convert the video file format

Video Codecs Download

If you don’t want to install a new codec or codec pack, there is another option.

Mp4 Codec Mac

Convert the file format of your video that is showing unsupported codec error. Choose a different format that is compatible with your player. Usually MP4, MOV, and AVI files are playable in all media players and video editing software.

You can convert a video file format using a desktop converter such as Stellar Converter for Audio Video or via any secure online video converter program.

The open source VLC Media Player can also convert video files to different format.

Steps to convert video in VLC to fix unsupported codec problems:

• Go to Media.
• Select Convert/Save.
• Click Add and select the video to be repaired.

• Click Convert/Save.

• In the Convert window, select new video file format from the Profile options. You can also click on Edit Selected Profile (wrench icon) to edit a specific profile.

• Once done, click Start to convert the video file.

Convert video file to fix unsupported codec error on Android

Android phones can usually play MP4 and 3GP videos of H.263 or H.264 format. So you can convert videos to either one to play on your smartphone.

Convert file to fix codec not supported error on Smart TV

If you are receiving the codec error on Smart TV when trying to play a video, first transfer the file to your laptop. Next, fix codec issue by converting the video file to a format supported by your Smart TV. You can use any of the above conversion method.

Method 4: Repair video codec error using Stellar Repair for Video

Codec For Video For Mac Windows 10

When converting or getting the compatible codecs don’t solve the problem, chances are your video file is giving error due to corruption.

In such a situation, try a video repair software – Stellar Repair for Video.

It can fix unsupported video format error on Windows and Mac computer by fixing the file corruption issues. The DIY software can repair popular video file formats like MP4, MOV, ASF, WMV, MKV, M4V, DIVX, WEBM, AVI, FLV, and others. It’s easy to use and can repair multiple videos in one go.

Steps to repair corrupt videos with Stellar Repair for Video:

• Download and launch Stellar Repair for Video on PC or Mac.
• Click Add file to upload corrupt videos.

• Click Repair to start the repair process.

Wmv Codec For Mac

• Preview the repaired video and click Save Repaired Files. You can save the repaired videos at a desired location on your computer or external media.

Wrapping up

Playing a video in another media player, downloading supporting codecs or converting the file format can help to fix ‘unsupported video format’ error on Windows, Mac or Android.

But if the codec error is appearing because of some corruption in the file, these methods won’t work. You have to go for a video repair software. It is recommended to use a free trial version of the video repair tool. In the trial, you get to preview and play the repaired video.