What Are Some Commonly Used Free CODECs?

Overall, the goal in developing various free CODECs is to create the best image possible in the smallest package thus increasing speed of transmission and increasing the amount of video that can be stored on CDs and DVDs.

H.261

Essentially H.261 was the first practical CODEC. Videoconference products used H.261 for compression and it became the standard on which subsequent CODECs were developed. It supports progressive scan video only.

MPEG-1

Video CDs (VCDs) and occasionally online video uses MPEG-1. Given the quality of the source video and a high bitrate, it can look as good or better than a VHS video tape. It has the advantage of the highest compatibility and can be played by virtually every computer. (It supports progressive scan video only.)

MPEG-2

MPEG-2 is the format most commonly used in digital video broadcast and cable system and is also used on DVD. The picture quality is good and enables widescreen presentation in DVD format. This format supports interlaced video.

WMV

Including WMV 7, WMV 8, and WMV 9, this CODEC from Microsoft offers a range of output form low resolution to HDTV. This is the file format often used on various media center devices and its popularity continues to grow.

H.263

This CODEC is used primarily for videoconferencing, video telephones, and Internet video. It provides progressive scan video but at low bit rates enjoys a significant improvement in quality.

THEORA

The CODEC Theora was developed in direct competition with MPEG-4 (a new low bit, high quality CODEC). Xiph.org Foundation created Theora based on a previous CODEC by On2 Technologies.

While confusing for the casual consumer, the initial association of words works, “CODEC compression.” In simple terms, CODECs compress video. Given the fact that you can download a free video CODEC, the term will become more familiar with the growing popularity of videoconferencing, digital video cameras, and online video streaming.