WMP 10/11 -- Selecting a codec

Question

Is it possible for me to force which video codec is used when playing a file. Often times I have multiple compatible codecs installed (say divx and xvid). There are times when I would like a specific codec (like xvid) to be choosen and wondered if this was possible?

mombodog · Answer

Codecs are not interchangeable, the player will select the proper codec to play a given file. You cannot use an XVID codec to play a file that is encodded with the DIVX codec.

mombodog · Answer

Good to know, do you remember where it was located?

esquire · Answer

That aside, assuming you have two or three codecs on your system that support the same media format(s), it is possible to *force* WMP to use a specific one but not interchangeable.

I came across an issue a few years ago with dual audio channels on commercial VCD movies - not right/left audio channels but dual languages similar to that on a DVD. My WMP used an inappropriate codec to decode the audio at playback (probably installed by the webcam I used), thus no channel selection was available. I located the codec in question and deregistered it using regsvr32 and hey presto - WMP went back to using the correct codec for dual audio channels.

NemesisDB · Answer

yeah, gspot is showing multiple codecs will support the file in question.

i figured i could uninstall (deregister) the one I didn't want but was hoping I could change things on a per file/media basis.

i'll check in VLC -- if any program lets you, it's prolly that one

esquire · Answer

@NemesisDB wrote:
yeah, gspot is showing multiple codecs will support the file in question.

i figured i could uninstall (deregister) the one I didn't want but was hoping I could change things on a per file/media basis.

i'll check in VLC -- if any program lets you, it's prolly that one

That's exactly how I did it.... but don't think WMP will like a per file basis change.

esquire · Answer

Codec system files are usually located in System (9x/Me) or System32 (2000/XP) folder, but you can also locate it by using the search function on your Windows.

The full path on the hard drive is only relevant when using REGSVR32 if the file is not stored in System32 since it is not necessary to remove it from the drive (it may still be required by another application).

JRosenfeld · Answer

In GSpot, System menu, list codecs, then if you right click on a codec you can adjust its merit. If you give the one you want to be used preferentially a higher order than the others, that should work. Use with caution (note the original setting so you can change it back if necessary).
You can also conveniently deregister/reregister codecs from there. I find that easier than using regsvr32.

Windows General

WMP 10/11 -- Selecting a codec

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