Video Codecs

A video codec is a device or software that enables video compression and/or decompression of digital video. They are used with Quintic Software to reduce the size of the video file to benefit storage and transmission.

The many types of video codec have differing performance as there is a complex balance between the video quality, the quantity of the data needed to represent it (also known as the bit rate), the complexity of the encoding and decoding algorithms, robustness to data losses and errors, ease of editing, random access, the state of the art of compression algorithm design, end-to-end delay, and other factors. If a video file has been compressed with a particular codec then that codec has to be available for decompression to enable its use.

i) Commonly used standards and Codecs : A variety of codecs can be implemented with relative ease on computers and in consumer electronics equipment. It is therefore possible for multiple codecs to be available in the same product, avoiding the need to choose a single dominant codec for compatibility reasons. In the end it seems unlikely that one codec will replace them all. Some of the video codecs that Quintic currently uses are MPEG-4 Part 2, DivX, Xvid, FFmpeg MPEG-4 and 3ivx.

ii) Missing codecs and video-file issues : A common problem when a user wants to watch a video stream encoded with a specific codec is that, if the exact codec is not present and properly installed on the user's machine, the video won't play (or won't play optimally). If a video codec has not been installed when a video is loaded into Quintic’s main or best screen an information box (Figure 1) will pop up directing you to this page on our website where a range of codecs can be downloaded below. For further information please visit www.quintic.com/downloads/troubleshooting.htm

Figure 1 : Warning - Quintic is unable to play this video.

• With the ever increasing recording devices available on the market, so does the demand for codecs required for playing and compressing these videos. The LAV Filter codec will enable the following videos using 'avc1/H.264 codec' to play within the Quintic Software : for example
  GoPro (.MP4), IPhone (.MOV), (.MOD)
  

1. LEFT CLICK on the GoPro / iPhone Logo, save the file ' LAV Filters 0.63.0'
2. Once the file has downloaded, double LEFT click to run....
3. During the LAV install UNTICK the avi files from the LAV codec (i.e. the standard Xvid codec is used by Quintic for all *. avi files and the LAV is used for all NON *.avi video files

• Install XviD Video Codecs by clicking on the icon (Windows Eight, Seven, Vista & XP Operating System)
• This codec is great for all images, static, panning / moving cameras.
• Once downloaded (LEFT Click on image) you will need to run the .exe file and follow the instructions given.
  (Video Codecs are files which compress the size of the digital videos that you capture - Note: XviD video Codec will create slightly larger files than the MPEG4 Video Codec, however the quality is significantly better...)

Download the codec program if you are running the Quintic software on either as Windows Eight, Seven, Vista, XP operating system if you wish to play and edit high-speed videos captured with the Casio F1 High-Speed. This video codec is also useful to have downloaded on your computer as it does contain a number of additional codec packages used by some of the latest video cameras.

• Install the Video Codecs by clicking on the icon 
• Once downloaded you will need to run the Codec setup program file and follow the instructions given. Please follow the Video Codec Pack Install Instructions - click here to download *.pdf
  
  

• This codec is for use with the Casio FH20, FH25, FH100 High-Speed camera.
• Install the Motion Jpeg codec by clicking on the camera icon (Windows Eight, Seven, Vista & XP)
• Once downloaded you will need to run the mjpegcodecv3.2.4.exe file and follow the instructions given.  (Video Codecs are files which compress the size of the digital videos that you capture)
  

• Quintic have used the MPEG4 codecs for playing and compressing videos successfully for several years. These codecs have been provided free as a service by Microsoft for use on Windows XP.
• However, these codecs are not supported by Microsoft for use with Vista. If you require BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY so that you can view videos that use the original MPEG4 codes then please follow the following nine stages:-
  

1. LEFT CLICK on the Windows Vista Logo, save the file 'Mpg4Install.zip'
2. Once the file has downloaded, open the zip file.
3. Highlight all of the files and select extract all from the file menu (top left)
4. Open the folder that the extracted files have been saved into.
5. Please read the 'READ ME.txt' file for detailed instructions.
6. RIGHT CLICK on the "mpeg4.inf" file (it should be in the same directory as this Read Me note.)
7. Choose the 'Install' option from the menu.
8. Windows VISTA will ask for permission to continue. Press continue to install the codecs.
9. This will now enable videos with the MPGE4 Codec (such as those in Quintic Sample Videos) to play in Vista Operating Systems.

• Install Microsoft's Video MPEG-4 Codecs by clicking on the icon.
• Once downloaded (Right Click on image) you will need to run the .exe file and follow the instructions given.
  (Video Codecs are files which compress the size of the digital videos that you capture)
  
  

When using Quintic software in Windows Vista and XP User/Limited accounts, it may be necessary to use an additional video codec to play *.mov files.

For example *.mov files captured via a Casio High-Speed F1 camera. Please run your computer in User mode before buying the codec below to discover if you require the additional codec. Some Sony Vaio Vista PCs have installed this codec as their own default. Each codec costs £9.99 per computer.

• http://www.roxio.co.uk/eng/products/cineplayer/vista/features.html - Windows Vista http://www.roxio.co.uk/eng/products/cineplayer/decoder/overview.html - Windows XP
• Click on 'Buy Download' and follow the instructions given.
  
  

• Install Indeo Video Codecs by clicking on the icon (Windows XP)
• This codec is great for panning / moving cameras.
• Once downloaded you will need to run the .exe file and follow the instructions given.
• (Video Codecs are files which compress the size of the digital videos that you capture)