How to tell what video codec to use

[dorkiedork]

I love this site. I love all the information on it. I have read over it numerous times and learn something new everytime.

Unfortunately, all the recent videos that I get have a jerky stutter every few seconds. I do not remember changing anything but Divx Player 6, Nero Show Time and Winamp all have this problem. When it first started happening Nero Show Time would be able to play it when nothing else would. But now that does it too.

I suspect that it is my codec??? That leads me to my question. How do I tell what codec a file needs? I have come here in the past attempting to get the latest codecs as well but usually end up wandering around for hours. Is there a central location to get the latest codecs?

Please help me obi-forums.doom9.com-kenobie. You're my only hope. (for real)
dorkie dork
ps maybe better yet, how would you fix this issue yourself?

[neuron2]

Where did you get the videos and what are they?

[dorkiedork]

i just realized that i was trying to play a file that was not complete. this was the jerky file. that problem is solved.

the files are avi files. i do not know how to get more information about codecs, etc than that. finding that out is the other part of my question.

the problem with these files is that they play and every 15 to 30 seconds or more they speed up real quick like its trying to resync itself and about 2 seconds of dialog (subtitles included) gets skpped past.

[neuron2]

dorkiedork, did you read the forum rules, especially rule 6? You're not allowed to discuss downloaded material like that. You only have a few posts so I won't strike you, but please read and follow forum rules. Thank you.

[dorkiedork]

dorkiedork, did you read the forum rules, especially rule 6? You're not allowed to discuss downloaded material like that. You only have a few posts so I won't strike you, but please read and follow forum rules. Thank you.

sorry about that. yes, i read the rules. i didnt mention any names but in any case i've edited the previous post and removed what was there per your request.

[neuron2]

OK, assuming your talking about legally acquired AVI files, you can use a program called GSpot to determine the codec that is used.

[dorkiedork]

thank you very much my friend.

do you do anything different than this when video doesnt play?

1. check codec of file in question
2. search web or doom9 for latest codec
3. install
4. enjoy

[dorkiedork]

I found this site. Maybe it will help someone else.

http://www.free-codecs.com/Video_Codecs.htm

[neuron2]

Open the video in VirtualDub and single step through it. See if the motion is smooth or if there are missing or duplicated frames that might explain the stuttering. By doing this you will be able to tell if the problem is in the source file or if it is something in your playback chain. Another question to ask is: Do all your clips do this or only this one?

[Sirber]

http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/

is quite powerfull :)

[Matrics]

maybe this guide (http://www.free-codecs.com/guides/What_Codecs_Should_I_Use.htm) will help.

you can also change the header with DivX2Mp4 (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/DivX2Mp4.htm)