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DivX
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What is DivX?
DivX is the name given to a video codec (a piece of software
encoding and decoding video) and is based on the MPEG-4
compression format. MPEG-4 is a new standard of video
compression that is both high quality and low bitrate.
They are usually only a fraction of the size of a standard
DVD, even at 640x480 resolutions, making them the best
home video format so far. They only take half the time
to encode, and yet at the same time are smaller in size
than MPEG-1 - due to their incredible compression technology
- some have even called MPEG-4 the "MP3 of the video
world". A DivX-compressed movie is about 8 to 12
times smaller than a DVD and ranges from 400 to 750 megabytes,
which would enable it to be copied onto a single CD. |
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What is a "Codec"
and why do I need it?
The word codec is short for compressor/decompressor. When
you install a video codec on your computer, what you really
are doing is giving windows media player instructions
how to compress/decompress movies in that file format.
If the needed codec is missing you will receive an error
message that windows media player is unable to download
an appropriate decompressor. Without the correct codec
installed, you will not be able to play the video. |
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| Is it possible
to play DivX movies in a DVD player?
Some newer players support divx but most
do not.
You can get a list of players and where
to buy them at
divx-xvid-players.co.uk
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What Software do I needed
to play DivX movies in Windows?
In order to play DivX movies you need to install the DivX
codec, DirectX and a media player which supports the codec.
We recommend using Windows Media Player to play DivX movies.
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Where can I download Divx
Movies from the Internet?
You can spend forever hunting on the internet searching
for DivX movies, however, the only things that you tend
to come across are warez, popup banners, and sites that
take you round and round in circles. The best way is to
use some kind of file sharing program eg:- Morpheus
to download your movies. Bear in mind the size of
them and if you only have a standard 56k Modem connection
then it can take a fair while. If you have the luxury
of Broadband, then all the better. |
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Can I create my own DivX/VCD Movies from my own
DVD's?
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| The answer is Yes, you can. You
will need a program that will decrypt DVD's (referred
to as Rip programs) for eg:- Smartripper, Claddvd. The
process is called "ripping" because the process
implies that you will "rip" both the video and
audio tracks from the DVD. The reason that you have to
rip a DVD to a hard drive is because DVDs are encrypted
and you need to first decrypt the files before you can
manipulate and get further access to them. DVD Ripping
basically involves the process of copying the DVD files
(i.e. .VOB, .IFO, .BUP files) from the DVD onto your hard-drive
without the CSS (Content Scrambling System) scrambling
the files during the copying process. This essentially
makes a perfect 1:1 copy of the DVD onto your hard drive
so that the files will have the original quality and size.
You also need to make sure that your PC is at least a
minimum specification to do this. Normally recommended
at least a PIII 450Mhz or higher, 128Mb Ram, DVD Drive,
About 6Gb - 8Gb of free space on you Hard Drive, Soundcard,
8Mb - 16Mb Video Card. You will need a conversion program
like eg:- Flaskmpeg
to convert the ripped DVD files. For more indepth information/tutorials
about ripping/creating your own DivX Movies try some of
the links below. They will tell you what software you
need for each individual stage etc. |
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