Indentifying Codecs

Butch Moore wrote on 8/1/2008, 10:47 AM

Our local law enforcement needs your help!

I have a disc of AVI files from a security camera system that will not play on standard players (WIndows Media Player, etc.) The programs will not automatically load the necessary codec.

These files were obviously created using a system specific codec (as are many security cams).

Without hauling the system in, how can I determine the proper codec or player that will work with these files.

They involve identifying a suspect in a murder case, so anyone's help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Comments

Who8MyLunch wrote on 8/1/2008, 10:56 AM

Here's what I always use to get info on codecs:

http://www.headbands.com/gspot/

johnmeyer wrote on 8/1/2008, 11:14 AM

Yes, Gspot is exactly what you need.

Tom Pauncz wrote on 8/1/2008, 12:31 PM

I also like to use http://www.kcsoftwares.com/?vtbVideoInspector[/link]. It actually points you at the download site should the codec not be installed. That's really useful. But I agree, GSpot is great.
Tom

busterkeaton wrote on 8/1/2008, 5:19 PM

Once you identify the codec in Gspot, all you usually need to do is download it.

You also may want to try VLC player, which is a video player that has a bunch of codecs preloaded.
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

I'm guessing XVID or 3VID or DIVX is your culprit.

Butch Moore wrote on 8/1/2008, 6:29 PM

Thanks all! GSpot did the trick.

It was a GEOX codec...difficult to find, but when loaded worked well.

The solicitor is coming in Monday morning to get the stills he needs to nail this guy.