What is XviD?

The XviD format is based on the MPEG-4 ASP standard. It was created as a free alternative to commercial video codecs. This means users can enjoy high-quality video without paying for software.

Specifically, XviD offers efficient compression and playback. As a result, it saves storage space while maintaining quality.

Furthermore, it supports various platforms and devices. Overall, XviD is a popular choice for video encoding.

What is the XviD Codec Format?

XviD is a free, open-source video codec. It was developed by programmers worldwide. This codec complies with the MPEG-4 standard.

XviD uses lossy compression. Typically, this means lower quality. However, sometimes, a different size can preserve quality. Additionally, you can fix video imperfections with image filters.

With the right compression program and settings, quality loss becomes hard to notice.

Remarkably, it allows compressing a DVD movie onto a writable CD. You can achieve this while maintaining similar quality.

Moreover, the XviD codec can compress an entire movie close to the original quality in just 700 MB.

Movies encoded with XviD offer high-quality video at small file sizes. The advanced compression algorithm completes this process faster than MPEG-2.

Typically, video pairs with digital music or AC3 audio for better sound quality. Together, these features contribute to the popularity of the XviD format.

XviD History

In 2001, this project began as a free alternative to OpenDivX. DivX is a paid service.

However, this format emerged as a free software project. It offers similar quality to DivX.

As a result, it has become the most popular codec for video files. This was identified as a bug.

XviD is a free software project. It features advanced options and works well with DivX players.

XviD Features

When using B frames, compression is often higher than with keyframes and P frames.

Additionally, quarter pixel (Q-pel) greatly aids lower resolutions. It enhances motion vector precision for blocks in motion compensation.

Furthermore, the Global Motion Compensation (GMC) feature optimizes storage of motion vectors. This feature is especially useful when the camera pans or zooms.

It also improves compression for raster images, such as those in television broadcasts.

However, if an interlaced signal is compressed incorrectly, issues can arise. Adjacent horizontal lines may show significant differences in motion scenes.

This technique also helps reduce spatial redundancy, key to effective video compression.

Moreover, adaptive quantization is an innovative feature of XviD. It uses different quantization matrices for each macroblock.

For example, it compresses very light or very dark images more heavily. These tones are less noticeable to the eye than medium tones.

You can use formats like MPEG format or H.263 with special quantization matrices. MPEG produces sharper images with great detail. This quality is ideal for high bitrates.

In contrast, H.263 offers smoother images. It can obscure block formation, which is helpful at lower bitrates. However, this may lead to blurriness and loss of detail.

Lastly, custom matrices let advanced users tailor settings to their needs. But they are not recommended for beginners.

How to Open XviD Videos?

Many modern DVD and Blu-ray players easily play XviD files. While DivX differs from XviD, devices with the DivX logo support these files. Check the manufacturer’s website to confirm support for your video player.

However, videos encoded with advanced MPEG-4 features may not work. This includes MPEG quantization or multiple B-frames. Most DivX devices do not support these formats.

Any program that decodes MPEG-4 ASP can play XviD files. Popular options include Free Blu-ray Player, VLC, and GOM Player. Others are QuickTime Player, DivX Player, and Windows Media Player.

Some media players decode XviD without extra codecs. Yet, others need the correct codecs installed. This helps them compress and decompress files effectively.

Additionally, this codec software works on Windows and Linux. It is also compatible with iOS and Android devices.