MPEG-2 Codec for ANY PC?

mike10670 wrote on 8/31/2001, 10:07 PM

I need to install an MPEG-2 codec for playback on some kiosk machines. MP7 does not natively support MPEG-2 for some unknown reason.

Does anyone know the easiest way to get an MPEG-2 codec (for play back) installed on a machine?

Comments

mike10670 wrote on 9/3/2001, 1:29 AM

Well, since no one has yet to tackle this topic, I did the un-thinkable and actually researched this on deja.com.

It appears that Microsoft did not include an MPEG-2 codec in Windows Media Player because they would have to PAY money for EACH copy of media player distributed.

Also, it appears that downloading a codec which Windows Media Player can use is not such a big deal, but they cost money as well.

I still haven't figured out who owns the algorythm, but I'm sure they're pulling down a few bucks (much like Apple Computers since Fire Wire has really taken off).

SonyEPM wrote on 9/4/2001, 9:39 AM

MPEG2.org and MPEG-LA (complicated issue) both own patents on MPEG2, hence the fee for both encoding and playing.