What is a Codec?
Short for compressor/decompressor, a codec is any technology for compressing and decompressing data. Codecs can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both.
Think of them like translators that allow your computer to read and playback audio and video files
on your computer. Your computer's operating system has a number of codecs installed, but may not have
the ones that can translate some of the video files on this site.
In the description for each scene on this site, you'll find a property called, format:. This describes
the file extension and codec used. If you download a video but can't play it back, simply look for
the format given and download and install the appropriate codec below:
mpeg-1
Probably the most widely accepted format on the internet across multiple platforms that
has been used for years. Almost all computers and software video players will support it.
Because it is older technology, compression isn't as good as mpeg-4, yielding lower-resolution
videos (comparable to VHS). Our mpeg-1 clips are encoded in NTSC VCD Standard | 352 x 240 | 29.97 fps. All you have to do
is join them together and burn them onto CD to make VCDs playable on standalone devices. You can
find more info on how to do this here: VCD Help.
mpeg-4 avi
Mpeg-4 avi files are not official mpeg-4 standards, but an old implementation developed
by Microsoft that also goes by the name MS-MPEG4 v2. Windows users with
operating system Windows 98 or newer, do not require any codec downloads or installations and
should be able to play back these video files right away. If not, Media Player will download
and install the codec automatically.
Mac users try installing the ms-mpeg-4 codec for Mac Also try third-party players like
Media Player for OS X
xvid avi
Divx;-) avi
We recommend all users download and install the terrific codec available from the
official divx website.
* apornarchive does not use the official divx codec, but something called
3.11 alpha. However, the codec available from
the official divx website is backward compatible
to play these files.
windows media
PC users (those running Microsoft's Windows operating system) require Media Player 7 or better
in order to view the files. You do not have to download and install the codecs themselves. Media
Player should do it automatically if you are connected to the internet. Go to Microsoft's Windows Media Downloads
for the appropriate software.
Mac users can download Media Player for OS X here
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