DivX

DivX, we see this written all the time when looking for movie downloads. Just what is DivX? The short answer is that DivX is the best video compression software that currently exists. DivX compression software dramatically reduces the size of the movie (or video) file without losing any of the picture quality. The interesting thing is that originally neither Apple nor Microsoft has this compression system available. The DivX became so prevalent that both Microsoft and Apple had no choice but to add the codec.

To explain further, most media files use some form of compression (like a zip folder) when transferring data in order to save space. When you try to open the file to watch what is inside, your player must read the file properly to show the video. Each compression method has a “codec” that your player uses to read the file properly. You can solve the DivX problem in a couple of ways. You can simply download the codec (for free), and you can also install a DivX player on your computer. DivX was the primary system used in the late 90’s for ripping copyrighted DVDs that were then bootlegged for replication and distribution. This is open source technology, meaning that it is free.

It should be noted that Xvid has been considered even better quality compression software. Independent testing of both formats has always seen Xvid coming out on top with a slight edge. Both Xvid and DivX are both free ware designed to compress video, and other files to save space. The primary video format is MPEG4. These two systems work fluidly with MPG4 files. Xvid can be written to a CD or DVD and can be played on any DivX compatible DVD player.

DivX and Xvid are both high quality video formats. If your consoles are DivX compliant you can view content from either compression. These can be gaming consoles, PC or Mac computers, iPods, or any other viewing apparatus that is DivX ready. You can use DivX to view streaming video. Streaming video can be viewed on your computer or even to your TV with the correct set up. You need to purchase the DivX HD media player to be able to watch these streams on our TV. DivX is a high quality format that can provides Blu-Ray quality images from your Playstation or a specially designed DivX HD player.

These two compression soft wares are the leaders in the video transfer industry. They are advanced to the point of creating a much higher quality picture while still using a smaller file. If you plan to watch a lot of streaming video, you definitely want to be using either DivX or Xvid compression. As of now these are the best that are out there so take advantage of these high quality free software applications.