Why Do We Need Codecs? Why Do We Need Codecs?

Have you ever happened to find yourself in a situation where your computer simply refuses to play a downloaded video and prompts you to install something called “a codec pack”? If so, by now you must have at least some idea about what those are intended for. And if that's as far as your knowledge goes, I encourage you to read on and find out how you can make sure you'll be able to play any video in the world.

What Are Codec Packs?

We are all familiar with media players and the fact there is a mind-boggling variety of media formats out there. So, if you're using Windows Media Player, for instance, and stumble upon a video file that you can't get it to open and play (for the simple reason that it doesn't support the format of that file), then all you need to do is install the right codec to solve the problem.

To put it simply, a codec is a software program created to encode or decode digital data into something that your PC can understand and play. Different codecs work for different multimedia formats. In other words, a codec is like a key and your file's format is a lock, so to open it you will need the same key, or a codec, which will allow you to view the video contained in that file and hear the sound stream.

Codec packs, in their turn, represent software packs comprising a number of different codecs at once, which facilitates the process of adding support for a number of different formats, as you won't have to waste your time looking for each codec individually. That's why with the right set of codecs installed on your computer you can be sure that any video or audio file will play just fine. So here's a list that will assist you in choosing the best one. Read on.

Best Free Codec Packs

K-Lite Codec Pack is by far the most known codec compilation. It gives you all the popular codecs in a single bundle, absolutely free of charge; and it uses a very user-friendly installation, letting you choose the exact codecs you need, and not download the whole package. This pack comes in several so-called editions, with some of them offering you codecs for encoding your own videos, and not just for playback.

K-Lite Codec Pack : Setup WindowK-Lite Codec Pack : Setup Window

Windows Essentials Codec Pack is another freeware solution to satisfy all your possible video and audio needs. Besides providing you with an extensive set of media codecs, this compilation also comes with a number of filters to enhance the quality of multimedia playback.

Windows Essentials Codec PackWindows Essentials Codec Pack

Windows 7 Codec Pack works just the same as K-Lite Codec Pack and Windows Essentials Codec Pack. Like the former, the application will offer you two installation types: Easy and Expert. The first mode will install only those codecs necessary for audio/video playback, and the second one will allow you to choose both codecs and filters.

Windows 7 Codec Pack : Expert InstallWindows 7 Codec Pack : Expert Install

Media Player Codec Pack is also a full-featured compilation that will let you play videos in all popular media formats. Additionally, you will be able to make minor adjustments and change filters.

Media Player Codec PackMedia Player Codec Pack

Do you use codec packs?
J
James B Adcock
My wife and I just want to unlock are movies and do not have to pay for it when we have paid for it already.

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G
Guest
Smile Great

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Q
quin42
No. I use 4 players. They cover the most used formats without upsetting the OS.

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G
Guest
LOL Bazuka, that's a very short answer, we're expecting further discussion.

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B
Bazo0ka
Sure.

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Referenced Windows applications

K-Lite
FREE
rating

K-Lite software is a complete collection of video and audio codecs.

K-Lite Codec Pack
FREE
rating

A collection of DirectShow filters, VFW/ACM codecs.

K-Lite Codec Pack Full
FREE
rating

A collection of DirectShow filters and VFW/ACM codecs.

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack
FREE
rating

It provides everything that you need to play all your audio and video files.

Media Player Codec Pack
FREE
rating

Install a large set of multimedia codecs, filters, and plug-ins for your PC.

Windows 7 Codec Pack
FREE
rating

The Windows 7 Codec Pack allows you to play all video and audio formats.

Windows Essentials Codec Pack
FREE
rating

It's easy to use and even easier to install/uninstall.

Windows Media Player Plus!
FREE
rating

Adds various user interface and playback enhancements.

XP Codec Pack
FREE
rating

XP Codec Pack is one of the most complete codec packs.

XviD Media Codec
FREE
rating

The XviD codec will enable you to watch XviD movies.

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