Another Eric Question

[TJ_Tigger]

Well anyone is free to answer.

My question is, how can I tell what codec was used to encode a MPG?

I have a couple of music videos to put on a CD for my son and don't know the codec. Is there a way to find out so I can possible include the codec if required?

Tigg

[eric_darling]

MPEG is the codec. It's both really, a format AND a codec. There are three flavors of MPEG - 1, 2 and 4. The most universal for Windows playback is 1. MPEG-2 is really only good for DVD or transmission of broadcast content (like satellite TV, for instance). MPEG-4 is very good, but not as universal as 1.

[TJ_Tigger]

good to know. Is there a program that will differentiate between Mpeg 1,2,4?

[eric_darling]

Well, the filename itself should tell you everything you need to know.

.mpg or .mpeg = MPEG-1
.m2v or .mp2 = MPEG-2
.mp4 = MPEG-4

Of course, things get mislabeled, but you should usually have something to go by.

In the end, you can always try making three copies of the offending file, applying each of the three file extensions, and test out the file in Windows Media Player to see which one plays.

As usual, there are no hard and fast rules with digital video. It's as much as art as it is a science.

[rhosk]

Tigg, just to add, if you open your mpeg in WMP and go to Properties on the File Menu, you'll see all the information, including the audio and video codecs used, bitrates, etc...

[longedge]

GSpot (http://www.headbands.com/gspot/download.html) is worth a look.

[yosik]

Tigg,
You could also use AVIcodec. Gives you all info on AVI and mpeg files + what codec is installed on the machine...and it's free....
http://avicodec.duby.info/
Yossi