What codecs are available by default on Windows machines?
My specific problem: I’m trying to distribute some short video clips to NON-computer savvy friends and family. I am using the “RAD Video Tools” to “crop” the video clips. The available codecs I can choose from for output are:
- Cinepak Codec by Radius
- Intel Indeo® Video R3.2
- Microsoft Video 1
- Indeo video 5.10
- DivX 5.1 Codec
- XvidD MPEG-4 Codec
Are any of the first four codecs above available (by default) on Windows machines? (I know that the last two are NOT)
Use MPEG-1. You’ll get much better quality than with Cinepak, Indeo, or MS Video 1.
MPEG-1 videos should play by default on Windows and Mac. I don’t have a virgin install of Windows 98SE to verify, but I’m pretty sure that even an old version of Windows like 98SE can play MPEG-1 video right out of the box. Heck, even a Pocket PC can play MPEG-1 video.
Use TMPGEnc to convert the video to MPEG-1 format. TMPGEnc is freeware. There is an option to pay to get MPEG-2 support, but you don’t want that. MPEG-2 support requires that people install a DVD player application. MPEG-1 is the flavor to use for easy playability and portability.
I’m not sure, but I believe that Windows XP no longer comes with the Indeo 5.1 codec. I believe there was some sort of a licensing issue and MS decided to remove it. Indeo was developed by Intel, but now Ligos owns it and they want money for it.