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query=define%3codec

by reaqter Feb 16, 2006 10:43AM PST

Hi, I'm just wondering what a codec is. A definitions search on google got me two separate answers:

One, it's short for COmpressor/DECompressor, and..compresses and decompresses data. Sometimes hardware, sometimes software.
Two, it's short for COder/DECoder, and sure enough, codes and decodes data from digital->analog and vice versa.

For all I know, it could be short for CO-ed/DECapitators.

Can somebody explain all this to me, like what it actually is, how it works, and its uses?
Thanks.

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A mathematical key

by joesmithers06 Feb 16, 2006 11:12AM PST

A codec is basically a mathematical key that is used to encode and decode data. Generally it's used in reference to audio or video data.

For probably better than 99% of all references you'll come across for the term codec, it means a bit of software that decodes some audio or video data and turns it into sound or video. For example, one of the most common audio codecs is MPEG-1 Layer 3 or MP3, and DVD video is based on the MPEG-2 codec.

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(NT) (NT) great! thanks

by reaqter Feb 19, 2006 10:45PM PST

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