How do I install Codec's

[Maurice]

Hi, I 've searched this forum but can't find the answer to my question, How do i install codec with my presentation, I know using Mpeg1 will make it usable on 95% of PC's but what if i want to use Mpeg2! Where can I locate codecs on my PC or do I have to download and executable file to include with the CD presentation. Even Using Mpeg1 I would still like to make sure and have the Codec installed, the last thing that I would want is for the Client to run the Presentation and only get a white screen with Windows Media player saying that it's searching for Codecs and then error downloading codec. Please Help.

[yosik]

Maurice,
A couple of guidelines:
1. Mpeg1 video should be running on every PC using Win95 SE and up, so you are ok with that format.
2. As to installing other codecs (Mpeg2, Divx etc..) I would advice AGAINST that. I for one, would hate to have a CD install something on my machine, especially codecs that could, maybe, scr..w something up.

This issue is aproblem, and you have to find a way, either by knowing your end user, or by specifying the basic requirements for your project to run. Then, putting the codec on the CD and ALLOWING THE USER to decide if to install it or not, would be the best etiquette behaviour, in my opinion.

Yossi

[Maurice]

Thanks for the advice Yosik, Say that I asked the intended user if they want to install the codec and they replied yes, I would still want to have that codec available on the cd and not have them download it from the web. Would the codec have to in the form of an executible file or something else? would it be on my pc already? if so where can I locate it? or what they of file is it? ie. the extension .exe or .???
maurice

[AXXESS]

Your best bet is for you to download the latest version of the codec you plan to use, and include that on your CD. Of course, check with the codec author to make sure it is ok to redistribute on CD. The setup files for codec installation are usually packaged in an .exe.

[longedge]

I stand to be corrected here - you specifically mention mpeg2.

My understanding has always been that the codecs for this 'format' are not distributed other than with DVD players such as PowerDVD because of the licensing restrictions on the format.

Encoders such as TmpgEnc always seem to have special provisions in place for mpeg2 stuff.

[yosik]

To each codec its own. Plus there maybe different brand of the same codec around.
You definitely should decide the avenue you want to take and, based on that, look for the proper codec (according to the license restriction) and include it on your CD.
I would suggest you check the following website. It could help you.
http://www.codec-download.com/
Good luck
Yossi

[Maurice]

Thanks for the help everyone! Anyone know how to ckeck and see if the codec is installed on the intended users pc already besides them running the programme and getting an error or the system stalling!

On another note I am pleasently surprised and over the moon about the responce time and the level of information on this forum. Thanks Again everyone, keep up the good work.
Maurice