codec question

[s_goodrich]

How do you know which codec you need to play a movie? I can play mpegs
I download most of the time, but now and again I download mpegs that wont
play, stating that the correct codec can't be found.
When I check the properties it shows that the file is an mpeg and no more
details are available.
How do I determine which codec I need for a particular movie and where can I
get it?

Thanks in advance

Steve Goodrich

 

[Chris Lanier]

For MPEG-2 files you must have a DVD decoder installed. that DVD decoeder
will decode the MPEG-2 video.

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

If an unusual codec is required, it is usually either included with the mpeg
or opening the mpeg triggers a link to download and install the proper
codec. This is entirely dependent on the site and individual from which you
download the mpeg as only they know the necessary codec.

 

[stuart]

you could also install gspot it should tell you what type
of codec you need eg mpeg4,divx,xvid.