Codec for dummies (or newbies)?

wbtczn wrote on 11/24/2011, 10:58 PM

Can someone explain codecs to me? I understand they're pieces of code that helps to compress the data. What I don't understand is how and when are they used? What I mean is, do I intentionally use them, or do they just come with whatever software I'm using? If I am intentionally using them, how do I know what one I need?

Comments

Duncan H wrote on 11/24/2011, 11:11 PM

Hi wbtczn,

Wikipedia is a great resource for these sort of questions. Here's a link that explains about video codecs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_codec

Vegas Pro installs a range of very good codecs on your computer (e.g mainconcept) that will probably be all you need until you are undertaking specialised or high end type projects and feel the need to explore new codecs. You certainly can get new and different codecs if you so wish, but I'd suggest that you try out the capabilities of Vegas Pro as it is before downloading and installing different codecs, as you might find that you accidentally overwrite perfectly good codecs.

Vegas has great capabilities re codecs for publishing even high quality Bluray projects, so you probably won't find codecs a limitation in your workflow for quite some time.

Regards,

Duncan

musicvid10 wrote on 11/24/2011, 11:16 PM

You may also want to take a look at my beginner's tutorial here:
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=12&MessageID=660127

wbtczn wrote on 11/24/2011, 11:52 PM

Thanks to both of you for your insight. I had read the codec article in wikipedia...it kind of lead to more questions than answers for me. :)

I've got Vegas 11 and want to be able to make videos destined for the 'net as well as videos destined for DVD and/or Blu Ray. What I'm getting here is that as a newbie, as long as I don't start messing around with stuff, I should be ok.

PeterDuke wrote on 11/25/2011, 12:55 AM

All beginers should KISS!

(Keep it simple, stupid) :)

In other words, tackle something straight forward, and then progress to something more adventurous. Even then, you might never need another codec.

In addition to web requirements, intermediate codecs such as Cineform and Avid DNxHD are sometimes used with HD material, particularly when they are applying lots of effects and don't have the latest powerful machine (and most of us don't).

Edit:

Oo, I wrote a naughty word! Spelt backwards, its "diputs".

musicvid10 wrote on 11/25/2011, 11:02 AM

"I've got Vegas 11 and want to be able to make videos destined for the 'net as well as videos destined for DVD and/or Blu Ray."

There is abundant documentation for DVD and BluRay creation in Sony's resources and around the web. It only takes a bit of digging.

For web delivery, our Youtube tutorial will give you some excellent starting points. In the context of simplicity mentioned above, I suggest you start with the 'Good' method, which does all its work inside Vegas, and progress from there.

paul_w wrote on 11/25/2011, 11:26 AM

"I understand they're pieces of code that helps to compress the data"..

You pretty much got it in one!
As a beginner, you could regard a codec (compressor / de-compressor) like a zip file.
Big files (like videos) are made smaller.
But in the video world, this has a trade off, and by using a codec, more often than not, your video will loose some quality. Uncompressed (no real codec just a container) video files are MASSIVE but do not loose any quality. And thats the problem. Using a good quality codec reduces the end resulting file size during the render process but still keeps the quality of the video looking good. Thats the 'general' idea of it without all the numbers.

The big question then is, which codec and what settings?
That really depends on the target, youtube, vimeo, DVD or bluray. All are best with their own required codec and settings. You will always need to use a rendering codec to suit the target you are aiming for. If you want your video to be used in multiple places, eg. youtube and a blueray disc, then you will need to render for both and any others you want to target. Rendering really means, write out the video to the target you want using a codec of your choice.
But you will need to know what you are aiming for, and in turn, that dictates the codec. for Example, DVD's need the MPEG2 codec (like MainConcept in vegas). And vimeo likes MP4s (both Sony AVC and MainConcept have these in vegas).

After that, experience kicks in and you will learn what codec is best for what target. The guys on here are masters of letting you know specific information about that.

Edit: And just to back up what was already said, don't be tempted to install new codecs on your machine unless you absolutely need too and know what you are doing!. Stay well clear of free 'codec packs' unitl you know whats going on. The Codecs installed already in Vegas are really very good and should be more than enough for what you are doing.

Paul