Why codecs are needed. What are codecs and where to download for free - K-Lite Mega Codec Pack What are codecs - terminology and theory
Regardless of the version of Windows, the problem is the same: to watch a movie, you need codecs that are not included in the operating system. Therefore, the package, on the one hand, needs no introduction: many users download it immediately after installing Windows in order to improve support for popular multimedia formats in one fell swoop.
On the other hand, rarely does anyone bother to examine the contents of this package (the principle "if only everything works" works), although there are reasons for this. So, the K-Lite includes utilities that can be used for diagnostics, solving particular problems associated with the operation of codecs.
In addition, the K-Lite package not only adds broad support for media formats, but also allows complete control over the processing process. The installation phase allows you to select the required components, as well as specify the preferred filters and decoders. The playback quality and processing speed depend on their correct settings.
All these points will be touched upon in this review.
Key Benefits of K-Lite Codec Pack
The K-Lite Codec Pack has many strengths, we will limit ourselves to listing the key points:
Internal component compatibility
The K-Lite distribution is always tested for compatibility by specialists. When installing codecs on your own, it’s easy to come up with a “Codec hell” situation, since many filters do not get along with each other. To eliminate conflicts, you need to look for the cause of "evil" and remove one or another component using special utilities.
Good Windows compatibility
Apart from the aforementioned lack of conflicts, it is easy to completely remove the package from the system without any traces. During installation, K-Lite checks for other codecs in the system and suggests their use during installation, among other options. Also, at the installation stage, a search for faulty codecs is performed and it is proposed to fix them.
Flexible customization
There are 5 package options available for download with various configurations, 3 installation modes and profiles are also offered.
For each multimedia format, you can choose a suitable decoder from the available options; by default, K-Lite selects the most optimal one. For Windows 7 and 8 users, a special Preferred Filter Tweaker for Windows 7 and 8 utility is provided to configure preferred codecs bypassing the OS.
Regular updates
The user does not need to follow the update of each audio or video codec or other components: K-Lite always contains the latest versions.
Assemblies K-Lite
There are 6 package options available on the download page:
- Basic - provides support for the most famous multimedia formats: AVI, MKV, MP4, OGM, FLV. The minimum set that does not include a video player. It will be optimal if you prefer to use another player, and for playback a minimum set of codecs is enough.
- Standard - also includes the Media Player Classic HomeCinema, DVD MPEG-2 decoder (opens up more possibilities when playing DVDs), MediaInfo Lite utility, which displays detailed information about the media file.
- Full - Compared to the standard version, this includes madVR - a high quality renderer, GraphStudioNext diagnostic utility and additional DirectShow filters.
- Mega - contains ACM and VFW codecs, DirectShow filters, additional utilities. During installation, you will be offered a video player to choose from: Media Player Classic HomeCinema or Media Player Classic Regular. You can read about the differences between them below.
- 64-bit build - recommended for installation over 32-bit version if you plan to play video in 64-bit environment. It is worth emphasizing that this package will come in addition to, and not instead of, the above options, since not all applications support 64-bit codecs.
There is another way to view information on assemblies available on the K-Lite website in the form of comparison tables: and. Basically, if you are interested in a specific function or format, then you don't need to compare anything.
Installation
There are three installation modes - simple, normal and advanced, depending on which the number of settings for the components included in the package changes.
The next step is to select an installation profile. It affects not only the number of components, but also the preferred settings. For example, “LAV for everything” implies that video decoding will be done using LAV Video whenever possible. "Lot of stuff" - installation of the maximum number of components.
You cannot install multiple codecs or filters to play the same format, as this would inevitably cause a conflict. The "Use system default" option means that the installer has already detected a codec that does not belong to K-Lite: for example, included in the OS or installed earlier.
At the last step ("Hardware Acceleration") - settings for hardware video acceleration. It is highly desirable to familiarize yourself with a small reference document describing the settings (the "Help" button at the bottom of the window).
So, according to the help, on a fast processor we set the standard settings ("Use software decoding"), on NVIDIA video cards - CUVID or LAV DXVA2, on AMD - LAV DXVA2, when using the Media Player Classic HomeCinema - DXVA decoder.
K-Lite Roster
The codec pack includes:
- DirectShow splitters
- DirectShow video decoding filters
- DirectShow audio decoding filters
- DirectShow audio parsers
- DirectShow subtitle filter
- other codecs and filters
- Media Player Classic / HomeCinema and additional utilities
In order to "decipher" this list, it is necessary to clarify the meaning of some terms (see below). The work of the splitter, filters and parsers can be more clearly displayed by the GraphStudioNext program, which is part of K-Lite. For example, the easiest way is to open any media file using the "File - Render Media File ..." command. The file processing process will be demonstrated in the diagram.
DirectShow is a framework from Microsoft that runs on Windows and is a framework for playing audio and video formats and input / output to devices. Some formats are natively supported by DirectShow, the list changes with each version of Windows. DirectShow is currently being supplanted by the Media Foundation framework, which is integrated into Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Splitters(English "source filters", literally - source filters) are separated from the container audio and video for further processing by decoders. It should be understood that the file to be played is a container, which is often mistakenly referred to as a video format.
Decoding filters DirectShow video and audio, or conversion filters, add support for additional file formats that can be played by any video player.
An example of filters is the popular ffdshow decoder, which is based on open source libraries. It can play Xvid, DivX and H.264 - which is probably the majority of cases that you have to deal with. Ffdshow includes filters (not to be confused with DirectShow filters) that allow you to control playback in real time: apply filters, resize, color, etc.
K-Lite developers in plain text advise choosing a LAV decoder due to its higher performance and stability, and ffdshow - only if extra functionality is needed.
Along with LAV Video, it is included in all packages, other filters are optional and can be replaced.
Likewise, audio filters decode audio formats separated from the container by a splitter. These include the popular AC3Filter library, which adds AC3 and DTS support along with tools for customizing multichannel audio.
Task parser- signal output to the device after its decoding.
Player Media Player Classic
Of course, when installing K-Lite, almost any player (GOM Player, LightAlloy, Zoom Player, etc.) will work with the required formats. However, in the case of K-Lite, it is still preferable to use Media Player Classic, which is not only included in the Basic assembly. This video player is best optimized for this package, moreover, it is included in the K-Lite in a modified form.
There are two players: Media Player Classic Home Cinema and Media Player Classic Regular, which is a fork of the Home Cinema project. Despite the fact that they are based on the same platform, there are differences.
Regarding the Classic Regular player, we can only say that it is less functional in comparison with Home Cinema. To get acquainted with it, you need to install the Mega assembly and specify Media Player Classic Regular as your preferred player during installation.
Among other nice additions Media Player Home Cinema: image output to multiple monitors, hardware decoding H.264, support for many subtitle formats, the presence of localization, including Russian. The original Home Cinema distribution kit, which can be downloaded from, already includes decoders (so the player can work autonomously, without installing K-Lite). In the description of K-Lite it is indicated that the codecs built into the player have been replaced with more efficient ones - those that are available to choose from when installing K-Lite.
Utilities
After installing K-Lite, it becomes necessary to fine-tune the codecs. You can find auxiliary utilities in the directory with the installed K-Lite package, the Tools folder.
Codec Tweak Tool
Basic K-Lite settings are collected in the Codec Tweak Tool. In the settings, you can remove broken codecs and filters (which were incorrectly installed or left traces in the registry), re-register filters, reset the settings to the original ones, generate a log from the package contents, sometimes this is required for diagnostics.
The most interesting section is "Configuration", here you can find the settings of all installed filters (audio, video, source filters (splitters)). In principle, it is not difficult to do the same through the parameters of the video player, but it would not be the most convenient way.
Codec and Filter Management allows you to activate and deactivate unnecessary filters and codecs, including those included in the OS. Additionally, by analogy with the K-Lite installation, you can specify your preferred splitters for each format.
Preferred Filter Tweaker for Windows 7 and 8
Windows 7 and Windows 8 users should pay attention to the Win7DSFilterTweaker utility. Its need is manifested in the fact that these operating systems have their own audio and video decoding system - Media Foundation. The built-in capabilities of this framework cannot be blocked by third-party filters without making changes to the registry. For this, in fact, this utility is intended. With its help, you can not only specify preferred decoders, but also disable unused ones, up to deactivating Media Foundation.
MediaInfo
A utility with which you can find out detailed information about a file: bitrate, resolution, container, audio and video formats, compression. The technical data will be useful if you need to readjust filters or install a missing codec. This program is built into Media Player Classic and is available as the Mediainfo tab, Properties in the context menu.
GraphStudioNext
A very informative utility for analyzing audio and media files. After processing the content, GraphStudioNext in the form of a diagram shows the processing process that the file goes through before being displayed on the screen and dynamics. It all depends on the specific configuration of the codecs in the package. Therefore, GraphStudioNext will be useful for diagnostics when problems with playing a file appear. In addition, each component in the diagram is clickable and opens the settings for the codec or splitter.
VobSubStrip
Editing subtitles in IDX format - you can remove unnecessary streams from the list and re-save.
K-Lite Mega Codec Pack- the most complete package of DirectShow codecs and filters from the K-Lite Codec Pack product line. These codecs and filters are used by the system to encode and decode video and audio files of various formats. Despite the fact that there are many alternative, paid media players that are used in professional work, only the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack does not require an Internet connection to get information about this or that rare codec format. The fact is that such programs have built-in the most popular codecs, which are most often found in widespread use.
The latest version of the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack contains not only common but also rare formats. You download the program once and be sure that you will not encounter a system failure to play this or that media file due to the lack of the required codec. Plus the program is updated quite often to keep abreast of the latest changes in the field of codecs.
Can't find and download video codecs for Windows 7, 8, 10, try the K-Lite Codec Pack - the most conflict-free program in work between different codecs, all its components are selected in such a way as to avoid incidents. By installing the package on your computer, you can mark those tools that will be useful to you in the future. The latest version of K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 32bit and 64bit for Windows can be downloaded for free in Russian using a direct link from the official website on our website.
Key features of K-Lite Mega Codec Pack for Windows 7, 8, 10:
- Support for all formats of codecs, both common and rare;
- No conflicts between different codecs;
- The ability to select only the tools you need for work during installation;
- Timely program update.
Probably many have come across the fact that your video does not play and only sound plays. It also often happens that your player does not want to launch a video file at all, displaying suspicious and incomprehensible messages on your screen.
Not all users know what codecs are for, how to install them and how they work in the system.
Codec (from English codec, from coder / decoder) is a device or program capable of converting data or signals. In simple terms, codecs are a set of programs that convert different signals, thereby making this signal understandable for the player. For example, you have a video file * .avi, we all know that this extension is used for video files. If the required codecs are not installed on your computer, Windows Media (for example) will not recognize which signals are received from this file. In this situation, the player usually emits only the sound from the movie or refuses to open it at all, showing you a black screen in the player and giving you various errors.
Let's get to practice how to install codecs and where to download the codecs?
K-Lite Mega Codec Pack
The most popular of the codecs is the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack. You can download it from the official site here, when the page of the official site opens, we find the "Download" button and click on it.
Run the installation file by double-clicking the left mouse button on the downloaded file K-Lite_Codec_Pack_790_Mega. Click "Next".
Click the first checkbox "Enable internal decoder for H.264 video" and click "Next".
Have a question what is the K-Lite Codec Pack? It is an easy to install, configure and use set of codecs for playing all kinds of audio and video formats. It contains a set of useful tools, VFW / ACM codecs and DirectShow filters for encoding and decoding files.
Why Choose K-Lite Codec Pack
The set of codecs is distinguished by an intuitive interface and ease of use;
Thanks to frequent updates, this kit contains only the latest components that meet the current requirements;
Users who install the K-Lite Codec Pack for the first time gain experience, while more advanced users are provided with many fine-tuning options;
The K-Lite Codec Pack is incredibly flexible. For example, you can individually select those decoders and splitters that you are used to for each format;
Works great with Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center, which in turn do not conflict with other popular DirectShow-based video players. For example, ZoomPlayer, Media Player Classic, KMPlayer, GOM Player, PotPlayer and others;
When uninstalling, all traces of the presence of the K-Lite Codec Pack on the computer, including registration data, are destroyed. That is, everything returns to the state it was before the set was installed;
One set is enough to watch movies and listen to music;
The K-Lite Codec Pack is used by a huge number of people around the world. Thanks to the feedback, software flaws are quickly detected and eliminated.
Differences from other sets of codecs
The set is installed on all versions of Windows. The installer independently determines the presence / absence of preinstalled codecs;
The installer can find broken filters and codecs on your computer, notify you about them, and suggest how to remove them. Thanks to this unique functionality, a large number of people can independently cope with playback problems;
You yourself choose the list of components that will be installed on your computer, since the installer provides for fine-tuning;
In addition to 32-bit ones, the set also includes 64-bit codecs;
The K-Lite Codec Pack can be fine-tuned to suit your needs using numerous options;
With a built-in wizard, automatic installation is quick and easy;
There are no broken, unstable codecs or filters in the set. If those are already present on the computer, the installer will identify them and, with your consent, disable those that do not work correctly;
The functionality of the set allows you to remove previously installed components. The installer is able to detect and remove over 100 different codecs and filters. Thus, you can get rid of everything obsolete and forgotten, prevent conflicts and continue to work with only those codecs that you need;
There are several builds of the K-Lite Codec Pack. From compact to extended. The user can choose the option that best suits his needs;
For some DirectShow filters included in the set, it is possible to create individual black lists. Such lists are useful for resolving conflicts with certain games and applications. It is because of this flexibility in compatibility issues that the K-Lite Codec Pack is often recommended by tech support.
There are four distributions of the K-Lite Codec Pack
Basic set. Basic pack
The set contains codecs for processing audio and video files of popular formats. For correct processing of files in the AVI format, it is enough to install the base set, where there is a video codec corresponding to this format. In general, the basic set is capable of processing more than three dozen audio and video file formats.
Standard set. Standard pack
The set differs from the basic one in that it includes a classic player for home use. Media Player Classic Home Cinema.High quality rendering tool MadVR as well as a media file analysis tool MediaInfo Lite... The standard set, like others, is provided by the official site for free.
Full set. Full pack
The set is significantly expanded in comparison with the standard set and contains tools for advanced users. Turning to instruments allows you to work with the powerful BASS audio library included with the DC-Bass Source Mod audio decoder. In addition, to support high-quality DVD playback, the set includes a DScaler5 MPEG-2 decoder.
The complete set provides access to the ffdshow audio / video processor media decoder, which opens up the ability to quickly and accurately decode streams encoded with DivX, Xvid, AVC and other codecs. As an alternative to LAV decoders, you can successfully use ffdshow audio / video decoder, also included in the complete set. It has a utility for developers GraphStudioNext.
Mega set. Mega pack
The set includes even more tools than the full set. It includes ACM codecs that support AC-3 and AAC and VFM formats, which are often used for video compression. AC3 filter effectively complements ffdshow audio decoders. DXVA1 hardware accelerator optimizes GPU performance. It also includes a Haali Media splitter and a Haali Matroska mixer.
Benefits of auto-installing codecs
Installation is effortless - convenient, smart and fast;
There is no need to waste time and search for everything manually. Experts have already created the most optimal set of codecs;
The user does not need to keep track of updates of individual components, automatic codec updates are performed as they are released;
Components adapt to each other to work as a team. If you install them all separately, it is not so easy to achieve well-coordinated work. And even very difficult if you plan to work not with one or two splitters and decoders, but with a large number of them;
Using this set, you can create thumbnails from videos in the most common formats in Windows Explorer;
Windows Media Player and Media Center automatically bind to all popular audio and video formats, so that after installation, all files it finds are displayed in your media library. When installing codecs on your own, this requires additional configuration;
When playing video in flv and mkv formats, you can view such file properties as its bitrate, duration, and height / width;
You can manage and configure installed codecs using the utilities that are also included in the set.
Comparison with VLC media player
Files in mkv format are played better;
There are additional options for hardware acceleration;
One of the kit's components is madVR, an advanced video renderer, which, if installed with Media Player Classic Home Cinema, noticeably improves the quality of the video being viewed;
Windows Explorer users can create video thumbnails, view the properties of mkv files;
Better output of subtitles created in SSA / ASS formats;
Compared to VLC, the Media Player Classic Home Cinema opens much faster;
The K-Lite Codec Pack will work with other applications as well.
Comparison with Media Player Classic Home Cinema in the standard set
After installing the K-Lite Codec Pack, the user can play a number of additional audio and video formats;
One of the components is madVR's advanced video renderer, which, when used with Media Player Classic Home Cinema, noticeably improves the quality of the video being viewed;
Windows Explorer users will be able to create video thumbnails, as well as view the properties of mkv files;
If desired, codecs can be installed for other applications or only for Media Player Classic Home Cinema;
After installing the Media Player Classic, Home Cinema will be updated more frequently. The set includes stable test builds of the Media Player Classic Home Cinema and LAV filters, so you will have access to the latest versions much earlier than other users.
A popular selection of codecs, filters and functional tools that are used for high-quality viewing of multimedia files in MKV, MP4, FLV, MPEG, MOV, TS, M2TS, RMVB, OGM, WMV, 3GP, WEBM, FLAC, Wavpack formats.
Description of K-Lite Codec Pack
The software package is characterized by compatibility of codecs, ease of installation and management, which increases its rating among similar products. Pak codec is offered in 4 variants:
- Basic - Supports the minimum required set of options for playing multimedia formats. Codecs for playing almost all multimedia formats in any media player. And support for all the minimum required functions.
- Standard - differs from the previous edition by the presence of the MediaInfo Lite tool (viewing detailed details about video and audio files), which allows detailed playback of video and audio files; renderer madVR, which significantly improves the quality of the picture.
- K-Lite Codec Pack Full - equipped with the GraphStudioNext utility that performs scanning, analysis and visual display, also offers to replenish a number of DirectShow filters.
- K-Lite Mega Codec Pack is a universal edition that includes all functions and utilities of other editions and is supplemented with ACM and VFW codecs.
Features of K-Lite Codec Pack
The package consists of 32-bit and 64-bit codecs, therefore it is used with the same quality in x86 and x64 versions of Windows. Its features:
- English language support;
- availability of updated versions of codecs;
- easy installation, making it easy to select the desired codecs and tools;
- the ability to remove a complete package or a fragment thereof;
- checking each version of the kit for the presence of possible conflicts between codecs and other programs;
- compatibility with new and previously installed codecs on the PC.
Updates to codecs, tools or additional utilities are instantly included in the latest build. The latest version of the required edition of the K-Lite Codec Pack for Windows can be downloaded for free on our website without registration.