DirectShow filter vs. codec

[mp3dude]

I ran Codec Sniper (great program!) to see what's installed.

Some things show up as DirectShow filters and others as codecs.
What's the difference between the two?

[KpeX]

It's all in the name ;). Codec stands for Compressor/Decompressor, and in some cases can be used as a playback filter. DirectShow filters decode video for playback purposes only through any DShow player. Which filter/codec is used is based on the merit system. You can always use GraphEdit to get a good idea of how filter chains are registered on your box. hth,

[mp3dude]

Thanks for the info. The inability to encode makes sense. Then they
can charge for the full codec version...