home > Internet > Why are codecs needed? What are codecs and where to download for free - K-Lite Mega Codec Pack What is k lite

Why are codecs needed? What are codecs and where to download for free - K-Lite Mega Codec Pack What is k lite

The question arose: what is it? K-Lite Codec Pack? This is an easy to install, configure and use set of codecs for playing all types 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 has an intuitive interface and ease of use;

Thanks to frequent updates, this set contains only the latest components that meet modern requirements;

First time users installing K-Lite Codec Pack, gain experience, while more skilled users are given many opportunities for fine-tuning;

The K-Lite Codec Pack is incredibly flexible. For example, you can individually select for each format those decoders and splitters that you are used to;

Works great with Windows Media Player And Windows application Media Center, which, in turn, do not conflict with other popular video players based on the DirectShow architecture. For example, ZoomPlayer, Media Player Classic, KMPlayer, GOM Player, PotPlayer and others;

Uninstallation destroys all traces of the presence of K-Lite Codec Pack on the computer, including registration data. That is, everything returns to the state it was before installing the set;

One set is enough to watch movies and listen to music;

K-Lite Codec Pack is used by a huge number of people around the world. Thanks to feedback Software defects are quickly detected and eliminated.

Differences from other codec sets

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 tell you how to remove them. Thanks to this unique functionality a large number of people can independently cope with problems during reproduction;

You choose the list of components that will be installed on your computer, since the installer provides fine-tuning;

In addition to 32-bit, the set also includes 64-bit codecs;

K-Lite Codec Pack can be fine-tuned to suit your needs using numerous options;

Using the built-in wizard, automatic installation is quick and easy;

The set does not contain broken, unstable codecs or filters. If they 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 more than 100 different codecs and filters. Thus, you can get rid of everything outdated and forgotten, prevent conflicts and continue to work only with 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 blacklists. Such lists are convenient to use to resolve conflicts with certain games and applications. This flexibility in compatibility is why the K-Lite Codec Pack is often recommended by technical support.

There are four K-Lite Codec Pack distributions

Basic set. Basic pack

The set contains codecs for processing audio and video files of popular formats. For correct file processing AVI format, it is enough to install the basic set, which contains 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, a 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 website for free.

Full set. Full pack

The composition of the set is significantly expanded in comparison with the standard set and contains tools for advanced users. Accessing the tools allows you to work with the powerful BASS audio library included in the DC-Bass Source Mod audio decoder. In addition, to support high-quality DVD playback, the set includes a DScaler5 MPEG-2 decoder.

The full set provides access to the ffdshow audio/video processor media decoder, which makes it possible to quickly and accurately decode streams encoded with DivX, Xvid, AVC and other codecs. As an alternative to LAV decoders, you can successfully use the ffdshow audio/video decoder, also included in the complete set. It contains a utility for developers GraphStudioNext.

Mega set. Mega pack

The set also includes more tools compared to the full set. It includes ACM codecs that support AC-3 and AAC and VFM formats often used for video compression. The AC3 filter effectively complements ffdshow audio decoders. DXVA1 hardware accelerator optimizes performance GPUs. It also includes a Haali Media splitter and a Haali Matroska mixer.

Advantages automatic installation codecs

Installation is effortless - it is convenient, thoughtful 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 track updates to individual components, automatic update codecs are executed as they are released;

The components adapt to each other to work as a team. If you install them all separately, it is not so easy to achieve coordinated work. And it’s even quite difficult if you plan to work not with one or two splitters and decoders, but with a large number of them;

Using this set, from videos in the most common formats in Windows Explorer you can create thumbnails;

Windows Media Player and Media program Center automatically binds to all popular audio and video formats, so that after installation, all found files begin to appear in your media library. At self-installation codecs, this requires additional customization;

When playing a video in flv and mkv formats, you can view file properties such as its bitrate, duration and height/width;

You can manage and configure installed codecs using utilities that are also included in the set.

Comparison with VLC media player

Files in mkv format are played better;

Present additional features for hardware acceleration;

One of the components of the set is the advanced video renderer madVR, which, if installed with Media Player Classic Home Cinema, significantly improves the quality of the video being watched;

Windows Explorer users can create video thumbnails, view properties mkv files;

Better output of subtitles created in SSA/ASS formats;

Compared to VLC, Media Player Classic Home Cinema opens much faster;

K-Lite Codec Pack codecs will also work with other applications.

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 the advanced video renderer madVR, which, when used with Media Player Classic Home Cinema, significantly 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;

Once you install 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, giving you access to the latest versions much earlier than other users.

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 Windows installations to improve support for popular media formats in one fell swoop.

On the other hand, rarely does anyone bother to study the contents of this package (the principle “if only everything works”) works, although there are reasons for this. Thus, K-Lite includes utilities that can be used to diagnose and solve specific problems related to the operation of codecs.

Additionally, the K-Lite package not only adds broad support media formats, but also allows you to fully control the processing process. During the installation phase, you can select the components you need, as well as specify your preferred filters and decoders. From them correct settings The quality of playback and processing speed depend.

All these points will be touched upon in this review.

Key benefits of K-Lite Codec Pack

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 yourself, it’s easy to end up in a “Codec hell” situation, since many filters don’t get along with each other. To eliminate conflicts, you need to look for the cause of the “evil” and use special utilities to remove one or another component.

Good compatibility with Windows

Apart from the aforementioned lack of conflicts, the package is easy to completely remove from the system without leaving a trace. During installation, K-Lite checks for other codecs on the system and suggests using them during installation, among other options. Also at the installation stage, a search is made for faulty codecs and it is proposed to fix them.

Flexible setup

There are 5 package options available for download with different configurations; 3 installation modes and profiles are also offered.

For each multimedia format, you can select the appropriate decoder from available options, By default K-Lite selects the most optimal one. For Windows 7 and 8 users special utility Preferred Filter Tweaker for Windows 7 and 8 to configure preferred codecs bypassing the OS.

Regular updates

The user does not need to monitor the update of each audio or video codec or other components: K-Lite always contains the latest versions.

K-Lite builds

There are 6 package options available on the download page:

Basic - provides support for the most famous multimedia formats: AVI, MKV, MP4, OGM, FLV. Minimum set that does not include a video player. It will be optimal if you prefer to use another player, and a minimum set of codecs is sufficient for playback.
Standard - also includes media player Player Classic HomeCinema, DVD MPEG-2 decoder (opens up more options when playing DVDs), MediaInfo Lite utility, which displays detailed information about the media file.
Full - compared to standard version, this includes madVR - a high-quality renderer, the 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 installing over the 32-bit version if you plan to play videos in a 64-bit environment. It is worth emphasizing that this package will be in addition to, and not in replacement 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 package website in the form of comparison tables: and. Essentially, if you are interested in a specific function or format, then there is no need to compare anything.

Installation

Three installation modes are possible - 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 conflict. The “Use system default” option means that the installer has already detected a codec that is not part of K-Lite: for example, included in the OS or installed previously.

The last step (“Hardware Acceleration”) is settings for hardware video acceleration. It is highly advisable to read the small reference document describing the settings (the “Help” button at the bottom of the window).

So, according to the certificate, on fast processor we exhibit standard settings(“Use software decoding”), on NVIDIA video cards- CUVID or LAV DXVA2, on AMD - LAV DXVA2, when using the Media Player Classic HomeCinema player - DXVA decoder.

K-Lite Composition

The codec package 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 player 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 included in 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 an environment for playing audio and video formats and input/output to devices. Some formats are supported natively by DirectShow, the list changes with each Windows version. On this moment DirectShow is being replaced by the Media Foundation framework, which is integrated into Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Splitters(English “source filters”, literally - source filters) audio and video are separated from the container for further processing by decoders. You need to understand that the playback file is a container that is often mistakenly called a video format.

Decoding filters DirectShow video and audio, or transform filters, add support additional formats files that can be played by any video player.

An example of filters is the popular ffdshow decoder, which works based on open libraries. It allows you to play Xvid, DivX and H.264 - which is probably the majority of cases 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, change sizes, colors, etc.

The developers of K-Lite directly advise choosing the LAV decoder due to its greater performance and stability, and ffdshow - only if extra functionality is needed.

Along with LAV Video, included in all packages, other filters are optional and can be replaced.

Similarly, audio filters decode audio formats separated from the container by a splitter. These include the popular AC3Filter library, which adds support for AC3 and DTS along with tools for tuning multi-channel audio.

Task parser- output the signal to the device after it is decoded.

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 included only in the Basic assembly. This video player is best optimized for this package; moreover, it is included in K-Lite in a modified form.

There are two players: Media Player Classic Home Cinema and Media Player Classic Regular, which is an offshoot 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 during installation specify Media Player Classic Regular as your preferred player.

Other nice additions to Media Player Home Cinema include: image output on multiple monitors, H.264 hardware decoding, support for multiple subtitle formats, localization, including Russian. The original Home Cinema distribution, which can be downloaded from, already includes decoders (so the player can work standalone, without installing K-Lite). The description of K-Lite states 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 tuning 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 collected in the Codec Tweak Tool shell. In the settings, you can remove broken codecs and filters (which were installed incorrectly or left traces in the registry), re-register filters, reset settings to their original ones, generate a log from the contents of the package, sometimes this is required for diagnostics.

The most interesting section is “Configuration”; the settings of all installed filters (audio, video, source filters (splitters)) are collected here. In principle, it is not difficult to do the same thing through the video player parameters, but this 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 installation of K-Lite, for each format you can specify your preferred splitters.

Preferred Filter Tweaker for Windows 7 and 8

Windows 7 and Windows 8 users should pay attention to the Win7DSFilterTweaker utility. Its necessity 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 overridden by third-party filters without making changes to the registry. This is, in fact, what this utility is intended for. With its help, you can not only specify your preferred decoders, but also disable unused ones, even 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. Technical data will be useful if you need to reconfigure filters or install a missing codec. This program built into Media Player Classic and available as the “Mediainfo” tab, “Properties” item in the context menu.

GraphStudioNext

A very informative utility for analyzing audio and media files. After processing the content, GraphStudioNext diagrams the processing the file goes through before being output to the screen and dynamics. This all depends on the specific codec configuration in the package. Therefore, GraphStudioNext will be useful for diagnostics when problems arise with file playback. In addition, each component in the diagram is clickable and opens the codec or splitter settings.

VobSubStrip

Editing subtitles in IDX format - you can remove unnecessary streams from the list and resave.

K-Lite Codec Pack- a universal set of codecs and decoders for playing any multimedia files in a wide variety of audio and video formats. The package contains both 32-bit and 64-bit codecs, so it can be used with equal quality in operating versions Windows systems x86 and x64. The list of supported formats is simply huge, we will note only the most popular: AVI, MKV, MP4, FLV, MPEG, MOV, TS, M2TS, MP3, OGM, WMV, 3GP, WEBM, FLAC, etc.

The codec package is released in 4 main editions, distinguished by the components they include:

K-Lite Codec Pack Basic
K-Lite Codec Pack Standard
K-Lite Codec Pack Full
K-Lite Codec Pack Mega

IN K-Lite Codec Pack Basic contains all the main codecs for playing media resources 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), the Codec Tweak Tool utility, as well as Icaros ThumbnailProvider and Icaros PropertyHandler extensions.

K-Lite Codec Pack Standard, in addition to all the necessary codecs, as in the K-Lite Codec Pack Basic, contains additional useful utilities: Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC) media player specially adapted for codecs, a visualizer with advanced MadVR capabilities and a detailer of information about the selected file MediaInfo Lite.

IN K-Lite Codec Pack Full, in addition to the contents of the K-Lite Codec Pack Standard, some tools are included for processing and improving the audio/video stream: DC-Bass Source Mod, ffdshow processor and decoder, Haali Media Splitter audio/video signal splitter, as well as an audio and video analysis utility GraphStudioNext files.

The most complete and voluminous assembly K-Lite Codec Pack Mega contains, in addition to the K-Lite Codec Pack Full, such “bonuses” as ACM and VFW codecs, AC3Filter, Haali Matroska Muxer multiplexer and other tools.

Each user determines the choice of version for himself depending on the tasks: if you just want to watch movies and listen to any music, then use basic equipment, and if there is a need for pre-processing and editing of an audio/video signal, then it is better to choose something with additional functionality.

Conveniently, all updates to any of the tools, codecs or additional utilities K-Lite Codec Packs are quickly included in the latest build, so just remember to update your version of the collection to accommodate the most current components in the system.

Probably many people have encountered the problem that your video does not play and only the sound plays. It also often happens that your player does not want to run the 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 performing data or signal conversion. If you explain in simple language, then codecs are a set of programs that convert different signals, thereby making this signal understandable for the player. For example, you have a *.avi video file, we all know that this extension used for video files. If the necessary codecs are not installed on your computer, then Windows program Media (for example) will not know what signals are coming from this file. In this situation, the player usually only produces 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 move on to practice how to install codecs and where to download codecs?

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack

The most popular codec is K-Lite Mega Codec Pack. You can download it from the official website here, when the page of the official website opens, find the “Download” button and click on it.

In the same window, the download panel is activated, find the link “Download K-Lite Mega Codec Pack” and click on it. After clicking, the file will begin downloading; at the time of writing, I downloaded K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 9.7.5.

Installation of codecs. K-Lite Mega Codec Pack
Launch the installation file by double-clicking with the left mouse button on the downloaded file K-Lite_Codec_Pack_790_Mega. Click “Next”.

Leave the “Advanced install” checkbox as default. Click “Next”.

In the next window, the program will offer the installation path. Click “Next”.

If you do not know which components to choose, then select the “default” profile. Click “Next”.

We check the box “Don"t a Start Menu Folder” so that nothing is displayed in the “Start” menu, go to the next window by clicking the “Next” button.

Exhibited optimal settings, just remove one checkmark at the very end “Visit a website with codec news”. Click “Next”.

Click the first checkbox “Enable internal decoder for H.264 video” and click “Next”.

Click “Next”.

Click on the “Select all video” button to select all file extensions. Click “Next”.

Check all the boxes by clicking “Select all” and go to following settings, clicking “Next”.

In the next window, select the configuration of your audio system; if you are installing on a laptop, netbook or computer with one or two speakers, then check the “2.0 (stereo)” box.

Check the “No thanks .I don"t want any of the above” checkbox and click “Next”.

Click “Install”.

Click “Finish” and restart the computer.

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack– the most complete package of codecs and DirectShow 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 obtain data about a particular codec format. The fact is that such programs have built-in the most popular codecs, which are most often found in wide use.

The latest version of 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 refusal to play a particular media file due to the lack of the required codec. Plus the program is updated quite often to keep you up to date latest changes in the field of codecs.

Can't find or download video codecs for Windows 7, 8, 10, try K-Lite Codec Pack - the most conflict-free program for working between different codecs, all its components are selected in such a way as to avoid incidents. When installing the package on your computer, you can mark those tools that will be useful to you in the future. Latest version K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 32bit and 64bit for Windows can be downloaded for free in Russian via a direct link from the official website. You can go to our website.