Linux Video Codecs

In general, codecs are utilized by multimedia applications to encode or decode audio or video streams. In order to play either one, users must ensure an appropriate codec is installed. Therefore it is important that any computer enthusiast, ranging from all spectrums, regardless of the platform (Linux, Windows and Apple), should be familiar, why they exist and how to deal with them.

Linux video codecs should be attached properly on any linux media player or any video player. Ideally, a codec effectively delivers high-quality video to users in a reasonable amount of download time. However, large companies often opt to use a codec for its exclusivity so they can charge for the key to decode to decode an specific video. So, in reality, the reason why so many codecs exist at all is not to further the quality and effectiveness of video compression and delivery, but to hinder delivery to the nonpaying audience, in many occasions at the expense of the video quality. Normally multi-platform players have a majority of codecs pre-installed.

Missing codecs typically affects the entire system. For example if a codec is not installed certain videos won't be available for a web browser, Linux media player, Linux video player and linux video editor. Once the right component is installed, all the applications on the system will recognize it and utilize it when needed.

It is important that once you are downloading or about to play a video that you have the proper codecs and drivers installed in your computer, so the linux application will play the video.