Full set of codecs. Preferred language (s) for audio and subtitles section

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The K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of DirectShow filters and VFW / ACM codecs. They are needed to view and create audio and video files.

Softina eliminates the error that the video format is not supported, installs the player and allows you to encode video and sound using various codecs.

What are codecs

Any information in a computer, including text, photographs, video and sound, can be recorded as a sequence of zeros and ones. The text can be written in a very compact form (the entire text part Wikipedia), and graphics, sound, and even more so video take up hundreds and even tens of thousands times more.

Codecs are programs and devices for storing information in digital form(in any format) as well as for compression all this data. All codecs can be divided into two conditional types:

• Lossless data compression (in the so-called lossless-formats). The algorithms used are similar to those used by archivers when compressing files. Video frames encoded in this way will perfectly match the original, and take up less space on your hard disk.
• Lossy compressing audio and video ( lossy formats). The most common example is MP3 music files. Codecs that compress into lossy formats discard “unnecessary” sounds and image details. Due to the loss of some information that a person most likely will not notice, as well as due to lossless compression algorithms, the file size is smaller than that of lossless. Lossy encoding has one significant drawback: you can overdo it with compression, resulting in files with terrible sounding and poor picture.

Among lovers of high-quality sound, disputes about how best to store music - in lossless or lossy formats... On the one hand, lossless compression allows you to achieve one hundred percent match with the original, on the other hand, such an audio library will take up a lot of space. For videos and photos, the storage problem is also relevant. For example, over the years of its existence, the video site Youtube has changed several times the codecs that compress the video stored on the servers. As a result, now we can watch videos of acceptable quality in 4K resolution, which was impossible before, since 4K video simply would not have enough space on the servers' hard drives.

Types of codecs

There are several types of codecs. Different compilations include different types, K-Lite has it all.

DirectShow Filters- modern codec format and more. They are subdivided into three subspecies. There is capture filters, which are responsible for receiving data from a file with video, music, and even from physical devices such as video cameras. Conversion filters allow you to decode, recode data, apply effects, and so on. Rendering (render) filters are able to output video and sound to the screen, speakers, other devices and save to a file.

All DirectShow filters work in a chain, which allows advanced users to organize automatic video processing. For example, you can take a picture from surveillance cameras, display them on different screens while adjusting the brightness and contrast at the same time, take sound from separately connected microphones and save all this in one file with many tracks.

VFW Codecs(Video for Windows). An older codec format that appeared in 16-bit Windows versions until the 95th. They are simpler than DirectShow filters and are more limited in their capabilities - they cannot be chained. Most often, video editors need VFW codecs to open and save (compress) files.

ACM (Audio Compression Manager) codecs. Same old standard as VFW, but for audio. With these codecs, you can open and compress files in MP3, OGG, AAC, etc.

Codecs can be installed in the system so that all programs can use them, or they can be used in separate software. Codecs can be a separate program... The most typical example is an encoder. You can't watch a video with it, but it's easy to convert to another format. Such programs are not included in the codec packs, tk. the task of packs is to open multimedia files in any program.

Codec packs are no longer needed to watch video

The problem of playing files is no longer as relevant as in Windows times 98/2000 / ME / XP. Operating Windows systems 7/8/10 already contain the necessary components, and if they are not there, there are always players with built-in codecs. Such as powerful

But there are tasks where codec packs will come in handy: video editing and work with the archive of video and sound recordings where files can be of very different formats

There are less popular collections of codecs:

• CCCP: Combined Community Codec Pack (discontinued)
• Kawaii Codec Pack (development stopped in 2015)
• Codec Pack All-In-1 (the last version was released back in 2006)

K-Lite Codec Pack is the most popular collection of codecs and the most useful because it contains not only codecs for opening video and audio, but also for compression, as well as several useful programs and a player. K-Light is regularly updated, new versions are released, while the authors of alternative packs abandon their work.

There are also two universal DirectShow codecs that solve the same problem without installing codecs from different developers - Ffdshow(development is discontinued, included in the "mega-version" of the k-light pack) and LAVfilters(included with any version of the K-Lite Codec Pack).

K-Lite Codec Pack

Where to download K-Lite

All versions are suitable for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 of both 32 and 64 bits.

There are four variants of the K-Lite Codec package:

1. Basic contains everything you need to play all common video file formats. Simply put, with it you will open AVI, MKV, MP4, OGM and FLV. The variant is intended for those who like a small package with no bells and whistles. It's small, but it solves most of the problems with opening video files. Used for playback universal codec Lav Video.

2. Standart contains several additional functions compared with base case... But the most important thing is that a simple and convenient player Media Player Classic. Also built-in DirectShow filter madVR, which in conjunction with Media Player Classic gives best quality pictures compared to the system filter (when stretching the picture, it turns out b O greater clarity).

3. Included Full(full) versus standard option added DirectShow filters, including the popular universal ffdshow filter. It has not developed for a long time, unlike LAV Video, but it supports more formats and is able to replace more codecs. Also included in the full version is the GraphStudioNext program. This powerful tool developers of codecs and filters, which is included in the codec pack so that the user can see what system components are used to open a particular multimedia file.

4. Mega-variant is the most complete K-Light collection. Option for working with video. It contains standards codecs VFW and ACM for encoding and editing video and sound.

What to choose when installing

At the beginning of the installation, you can select the mode: Normal or Advanced. The difference is that in Advanced mode the “Select components” step will appear. All other sections of the installer will be identical in both modes.

Installation Preferences section

At the very beginning of the installation, the installer asks a few questions.

Preffered video / audio player- which player to prefer for opening multimedia.

Preffered video / audio decoder- which decoder to prefer (leave LAV video decoder, the description will be below).

Create file associations - open files in the selected player.

Install MPC-HC as a secondary player- if another is selected, still install Media Player Classic.

Install codecs only for MPC-HC- install codecs only for Media Player Classic (some will still be installed as system ones for everyone).

Amount of components to install- options for a set of codecs, the middle point is optimal. In Advanced mode, you can refine the set at the component selection step.

Install VFW codecs for video encoding- put codecs for encoding, i.e. video creation.

Install only 64-bit components- install only 64-bit codecs, 32-bit programs will not see them.

Select Components section

If you bet Basic or Standart, at this step, you can click the "Next" button. There are few components, there is nothing to choose from.

V Full and Mega there are much more codecs. Most likely, you know what you are doing, since you choose these versions, and for the curious I will tell you in more detail what is in them.

Immediately at the beginning of the installation, you can choose whether to install only codecs for playback, whether to install the player, or choose own set(item Custom Selection).

Let's go through all the points.

MPC-HC is a Media Player Classic. A functional player with many useful options... There are two versions to choose from, the difference in bit depth. It is better to choose only the one that matches the bitness of your Windows. Perhaps in the future, the authors of the pack will switch to another player, because the development of Media Player Classic seems to have stopped in July 2017.

In chapter DirectShow video decoding filters are modern codecs for video playback in any players, including standard Media Player and Windows 10 Video Player. You can choose from:

1. Filter LAV Video- standard for Basic and Standard versions of the pack, it supports H.264, H.265 / HEVC, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VC-1, WMV and several other less popular formats. it best choice, because the project is actively developing, all found errors are promptly eliminated and, in general, the codec decodes popular formats without any problems.
2. Filter ffdshow- outdated by this moment decoder, its development has been discontinued. Supports H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VC-1 and others. The decoder has one interesting feature: in the ffdshow settings, you can enable image processing by making it brighter, sharpening it, turning it sideways, and so on. If you don't have filters in your player, but you need them, then video decoding via ffdshow will help you.
3. Xvid- for (de) encoding MPEG-4 files. You can choose if, for some reason, LAV and ffdshow do not suit you, while the above codecs can be left for processing other formats.
4. Microsoft- the item is needed in order for the selected format to be decoded by the codecs built into Windows as before.

Component selection options affect not so much the choice of what to install, but how the codecs should behave. If the package contains LAV Video and ffdshow, they will be installed in any case, they simply will not be used for formats where a different codec is selected.

Chapter DirectShow audio decoding filters contains codecs for sound playback.

1. LAV Audio- the same as LAV Video, a modern universal DirectShow filter. Supports AC3, DTS, E-AC3, MLP, LPCM, TrueHD, AAC, FLAG, OGG Vorbis, MP1, MP2, MP3, WMA, etc.
2. ffdshow the list is also present, it can play AC3, DTS, E-AC3, MLP, LPCM, TrueHD, AAC, FLAG, OGG Vorbis, MP1, MP2, MP3 and, importantly, uncompressed PCM audio (.wav files). As with video, filters can be applied to the sound.
3. AC3Filter- for decoding AC3, DTS, E-AC3, TrueHD, LPCM, AAC and MPEG. This DirectShow filter holds the record for the number of sound processing settings. You can amplify the sound, compress dynamic range, adjust the delay of individual audio tracks (necessary if the speakers are on different distance, so that the sound waves reach the listener at the same time), mix in real time ... There are a lot of possibilities and most of them are not needed by the average user.

V DirectShow source filters video source filters can be selected. They are needed not for decoding codecs, but for opening containers - files, inside which there will be video with sound. For example, the extensions AVI files, MP4, MKV talk about different containers.

1. LAV Splitter- for AVI, MP4, Matroska (MKV), MPEG-TS (MTS), MPEG-PS (PS) and others. When you select LAV Splitter as a standard source filter, you can change audio tracks on the fly in any player via the LAV Splitter icon in the tray.
2. Haali media splitter- once a popular filter, it was used to turn on subtitles in unsupported players and switch audio tracks. Now it has been replaced by LAV Splitter as it is more functional.
3. DC-Bass Source Mod- needed to support OptimFROG files (extension .ofr .ofs) and open tracker music (.it .mo3 .mtm .s3m .umx .xm).

In chapter DirectShow subtitle filter there is only one point DirectVobSub... This filter will automatically enable subtitles from files of the same name. Now it is not relevant, because popular players already support subtitles stored both inside video files and external ones with the.srt extension.

Chapter Other Filters includes two DirectShow rendering filters for displaying images in players.

1. MadVR- a very powerful filter that allows you to scale the picture qualitatively and, what is important, make the frame change smooth.
2. Haali video renderer- a filter, whose development has long been discontinued, does not really work, it is not clear why it is included in the K-Lite Codec Pack.

V VFW video codecs contains the codecs of the Video for Windows standard. If you are using old video editing software or VirtualDub, then you need them.

1. ffdshow VFW interface- VFW part for ffdshow mentioned above. Allows you to save to FFV1, HuffYUV, DV and MJPEG.
2. Xvid is a free compatible alternative to the once popular DivX (MPEG-4).
3. x264VFW- for encoding video in the H.264 format, which is at the next evolutionary stage after MPEG-4.
4. huffyuv- lossless codec for encoding and decoding video files of the same format.
5. Lagarith- improved huffyuv, compresses harder, no data loss either.

ACM Audio Codecs are needed to compress audio.

1. MP3 (LAME) is a popular MP3 audio compression codec in programs such as VirtualDub. It will be installed only if there are no other MP3 codecs in the system.
2. AC3ACM- for AC3 format. The AC3 has two features: there can be many sound tracks and the technology is protected by patents. Because of this, many players on phones do not support AC3 format. V Windows players there is no problem with that.

In chapter Tools there are utilities.

1. Codec Tweak Tool- a program for reconfiguring codecs, resetting their settings. In it, you can replace LAV with ffdshow without reinstalling the K-Lite Codec Pack.
2. MediaInfo Lite- to show detailed information about the codecs inside multimedia files.
3. GraphStudioNext- very powerful utility for developers of DirectShow filters. In the K-Lite Codec Pack, most likely, it is included because of the function of viewing which filters are used when opening a particular file.
4. Haali muxer- a utility for packing individual audio and video files into Matroska containers (.mkv).
5. VobSubStrip- a tool for solving a specific task: extracting subtitles for a particular language from files in .idx and.sub format.
6. Fourcc changer- a program that changes the label about the used codec in video files. It is useful if the required codec is not used when opening a video file.

V Explorer shell extensions are Windows Explorer extensions.

1. Icaros ThumbnailProvider allows you to see the contents of video files in popular formats in thumbnail view.
2. Icaros PropertyHandler allows you to view the width, height, frame rate, duration in the properties of files with extensions .flv, .mkv, .ogm, .rmvb, .webm, .ape, .flac, .mka, .mpc, .ofr, .opus, .spx , .tak, .tta, .wv.

V Miscellaneous there are two options - Detect broken codecs and Detect broken DirectShow filters, which include checking the codecs and DS-filters already installed in the system. If something goes wrong with them (damaged or missing files and entries in windows registry), they can be deleted. The same function is available in the Codec Tweak Tool.

Additional Tasks and Options section

On next step the installer will clarify a few settings.

Their number will differ depending on your choice in the previous step. Most of the settings are understandable, based on their names, I will only talk about the most important ones:

Reset all settings to their defaults- reset all codec settings. Useful if you update your codec pack with old version or an alternative has been installed.

Windows Media Player: register supported file formats - standard turntable Windows Media will open formats supported by installed codecs.

Optimized preferred decoders settings: the installer will tweak the system codec settings to the optimal values, according to the authors of the K-Lite Codec Pack. Later they can be changed manually using the Codec Tweak Tool.

Add to Explorer context menu- the right-click menu will appear new item"MediaInfo" to easily open video and music files in the MediaInfo program.

Hardware acceleration section

Here it is configured hardware acceleration video decoding. This is important for watching high definition movies.

You can select a decoding method (universal and hassle-free - DXVA2 copy-back), and enable acceleration only in Media Player Classic (item “Only use hardware acceleration in combination with MPC-HC).

MPC-HC configuration section

Appears when Media Player Classic is selected.

An important option here is the "Video renderer" selection. If you put madVR, choose it, otherwise the optimal Enhanced Video Renderer (Custom Presenter).

Preferred language (s) for audio and subtitles section

Select preferences here audio track... The settings in the screenshot below are the most universal for a Russian-speaking user.

If there is a Russian track in the video, it will turn on. If not, then English and Russian subtitles (if available).

File associations section

Allows you to specify which player to use to open audio and video files.

Due to the peculiarities of assigning file associations in Windows 10 this step may not affect the choice and you will have to assign programs manually through the Control Panel - Default Applications.

Depending on the checked boxes, additional steps will appear, where you can select in detail the program associations with file types.

Audio Configuration section

Here you can choose the type of your speakers.

Thumbnails Section

Last step. Here you can specify which videos to show in thumbnail view.

After installation

Restart your computer, otherwise some of the codecs will not work correctly.

If you need to change any settings of codecs and filters, in the Start menu there will be a K-Lite Codec Pack folder with shortcuts that open settings and utilities.

Related entries:

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K-Lite Codec Pack - a time-tested package of video codecs for Windows, it provides comfortable viewing of movies on a computer for more than 10 years.

The program consists of filters and decoders that process media files different formats... It provides playback of video and audio recordings without any freezes or errors.

If the file with the movie does not start on your computer, do not rush to blame the video player for everything. The fact is that initially, along with Windows Media Player, the operating system has the simplest tools for processing multimedia files. Because of this, errors in video playback and lack of support for some fairly common formats are likely. To fix this problem, you need to download the codecs. One of best options Is the K-Lite Codec Pack for Windows designed to make media players stable and fully functional.

The developers of this codec pack offer to download video codecs in four versions:

1. Basic — basic set, the only one that does not include the MPC-HC player
2. Standard- the extended package includes several rarely used decoders
3. Full- there are also additional DirectShow filters like ffdshow and VP7
4. Mega- the most complete version, which also includes the ACM and VFW codecs.

The average user will be satisfied with the Standard version. If you are interested in additional DirectShow filters that offer more fine tuning images and subtitle management, then pay attention to the Full and Mega packages.

During installation, the program offers to select the formats and decoders with which you want to work, as well as to remove the "broken" components from other packages. Although, I must say that, by default, everything is set to the best option, so there is no great need to understand the interface. However, at any time you can call the menu through "Start-Programs-Configuration".

Possibilities:

• set of the most fresh versions decoders;
• no conflicts with similar software;
• reproduction of all used formats (including such "hard to open" as MKV, FLAC, RMVB, HDMOV, TS, M2TS, OGM);
• built-in media player Home Cinema;
• detection and replacement of damaged or missing decoders;
• built-in utility for removing a package (or part of it);
• auto-update.

Advantages:

• elementary installation in a minute;
• opening all requested video files;
• download K-Light Codec Pack is offered free of charge.

Things worth working on:

• No Russian-language interface, can be selected in Russian only from the menu;
• after deletion, there are many unnecessary entries in the registry.

It is also important to note that the program gets along well with any media player and works, even if you already have similar kits from other developers.

However, if you used one of the four presented packages, and then decided to install another, it is advisable to remove the previous one. For example, you had Standard, but you wanted to put Full. In this case, the authors recommend "demolishing" Standard. And in order to clean the registry, use a good program, for example, CCleaner.

Unlike a number of analogs, this set of codec eliminates conflicts with components of other packages. And thanks to frequent auto-updates, you will only have up-to-date codecs.

Product information
Name: K-Lite Codec Pack
Version: 14.0.0
Platform: x32 / x64
Interface language: Russian, English, etc.
Released: 2018
Developer: K-Lite Codec Pack
Medicine: Not required

Description:
K-Lite Codec Pack- the most popular free package codecs, DirectShow filters and related tools. Differs in the absence of conflicts between codecs, ease of installation and use. Allows you to view and listen to all popular and a large number of rare video and audio formats.

The main advantages of the K-Lite Codec Pack:
Internal compatibility of components. The K-Lite distribution is always tested for compatibility by specialists. At self-installation codecs, it is easy to come to the "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 users 7 and 8 is provided special utility Preferred Filter Tweaker for Windows 7 and 8 to configure your 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.

Comparison of package versions:
Basic contains all the major codecs for playing a media resource on a PC. This is the lightest and simplest package with which you will be able to watch / listen to music and movies using any player convenient for you. There are DirectShow audio / video decoding filters (LAV Audio and Video), DirectShow source and subtitle filters (LAV Splitter and VSFilter), Codec Tweak Tool, and Icaros ThumbnailProvider and Icaros PropertyHandler extensions.
Standard also includes Media Player Classic HomeCinema, MPEG-2 DVD decoder (opens up more options when playing DVDs), MediaInfo Lite utility that displays detailed information about the media file.
Full compared to 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

K-Lite Codec Pack Basic - contains everything you need to play the most common video files like AVI, MKV, MP4, OGM, or FLV. This package is the smallest.

K-Lite Codec Pack Standard has everything to play most multimedia files. This package will be sufficient for the needs of more experienced user.

K-Lite Codec Pack Full - except for codecs, filters and tools that are included in standard set, also contains all the necessary things for encoding video and sound. May be useful for advanced users and professionals.

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack - this version of the package contains all codecs and programs that are included in full version, plus QuickTime Alternative and Real Alternative.

In detail:

Package features:
Latest Versions the best codecs.
All components are selected so that there are no conflicts between them.
Installing the package is very simple, if you want, you can select only those codecs and tools that you really need.
At any time, you can completely or partially remove the package without leaving any traces of its presence, including registry keys.
Each version of the package is thoroughly tested for possible conflicts between codecs and other programs.
K-Lite Codec Pack tries to avoid problems between new and already installed codecs on the computer, and can even solve some of the existing ones.

K-Lite Codec Pack- popular free codecs for a computer on Windows 7, 8, 10. A new version of all the codecs required today in one, complete assembly will come in handy for your computer more than ever. By setting Current Package you can play all multimedia files, both video and audio. Also, the package includes encoders for converting video files to popular media formats. The main thing is that these codecs are universal and will solve problems with playing any known media files. You can download the K-Lite Codec Pack for Windows for free on our website, without registration and SMS.

Codecs will be a great find for beginners, since installing it does not require deep knowledge in the field software... It is no longer news that without such programs it would be impossible to imagine the freedom to work with multimedia on your home computer. We recommend that you remember to update the codecs in your Windows, as this will allow you not to encounter errors when playing new file formats, and you can always enjoy the new technologies of cinema. To download the K-Lite Codec Pack you need to follow the direct link provided in our article.

How to install codecs

Codec installation is automatic or manual mode for advanced users. For those who are not familiar with the principles of installing programs on a computer, we recommend using the automatic mode. You only need to follow the prompts of the installer. For manual installation knowledge of your operating system, as well as information on the availability of preinstalled codecs. When installing them, you always have access to the selection and change of the types of installed programs. We recommend that you remove the previously installed codecs before installing the new version of the K-Lite Codec Pack on Windows.

Free download the most popular set codecs

K-Lite Codec Pack is the most popular set of video and audio codecs. Codecs are required to play video and audio files, and this set is designed to play all the most common formats. Standard tools Windows operating system and most popular players already contain the most popular codecs, but not all of them and sometimes they are not enough to play some videos. After installing the K-Lite Codec Pack, any player installed in the system will support additional formats.

In general, this set is addressed to those users who constantly watch videos in different, including less common formats. The K-Lite Codec Pack has everything you need to watch quality videos.

K-Lite Codec Pack is very easy to use, regularly updated, contains all the necessary codecs, is great for working with all popular video players, can be removed without any problems, has many users and any problems are detected and fixed very quickly.

You can download the K-Lite Codec Pack in 4 different versions: Basic, Standard, Full and Mega. These versions differ in the set of included codecs. Most users will be satisfied with the Basic version, which includes only the essentials. This version is unlikely to be useful for those users whose player already contains built-in codecs. The Standard version has additional codecs and a great video player. Full version contains many rare codecs. The Mega version is a combination of two packages: K-Lite Codec Pack Full and Real Alternative (used to play RealMedia files).

What's New in K-Lite Codec Pack 14.8.4:

List of changes for the Basic version:

List of changes for Standard, Full and Mega versions:

• Updated Media Player Classic to version 1.8.4.19.
• Updated LAV Filters to version 0.73.1-31-g54d0a.
• Updated Codec Tweak Tool to version 6.3.7.
• Updated GraphStudioNext to version 0.7.1.53.
• Updated DirectVobSub to xy-VSFilter version 8.2.0.802.
• Added XySubFilter 8.2.0.802.
• Fixed issues with streaming video playback.
• Added option to run DirectX web installer... This only works when DirectX is missing or corrupted.
• Added a new option to associate files with the common extension .video.