Which codecs to install?

[tempe]

Hi everybody!

After formatting and reinstalling my WinXP system, there are some movies I can't play anymore which I could play before. I've already installed Gordian Knot with DivX 3/4/5 and XviD. Which other codecs/filters may solve the problem?

Bye
Tempe

[jggimi]

Install Gspot - the link is http://www.doom9.org/Soft21/Editing/gspot20.zip - and it will tell you the codecs used in any .avi, and whether or not they have been installed.

[tempe]

@ jggimi: This program is GREAT! Thanks man!! I recommend it to everybody who doesn't have it. It gives you audio information as well...

I still have 2 questions:
If the program says: "Not a valid avi file", does it really mean there is no codec to play it or can it be an unknown codec?

And: Is there a filter/codec that plays many formats or do I have to install them seperately?

Edit: I've read about the ffdshow-filter. Would that be helpful?

cu
Tempe

[jggimi]

I can only answer one of your three questions. Some codecs can decompress earlier versions, and some can play back related but "competitive" formats. For example, DivX 5 can playback DivX 4, an earlier version, and can also play back DivX 3. DivX 3, also known as "DivX ;-) MPEG-4" is not quite exactly an earlier release.

Of course, it will vary from codec to codec what they are capable of decoding.

[theReal]

I've already installed Gordian Knot with DivX 3/4/5

It's not good to install both Divx 4 and Divx 5. Divx 3.11 is no problem because it's something completely different, but an installation of Divx4 overwrites files from Divx5. Divx4 is just an older version of 5, don't install it anymore.

[lovecraft25]

Try ffdshow...