The N8 is an awesome multimedia machine. You can throw almost anything at the video player and it will play without complaints. However, I have noticed that sometimes the N8 refuses to play some of my AVI format files. Before I tell you how I solve this problem, let’s go over the difference between a codec and a format.
Codec: A codec is the algorithm used to compress/decompress audio and video streams. Some of the more popular codecs are H.264, DivX(actually a quasi-codec), and MPEG-4. The reason we compress data is to make the data file smaller and also less resource intensive for real time playback. The quality of what you see and hear is almost entirely dictated by the quality and rate of the compression scheme.
Format: A format (also known as a container or wrapper) determines the way the codec is stored and delivered. The container is important because it creates a standard in which to encapsulate the different compressed audio and video streams and ensures for example that they are played with correct timing. That said, there are many different containers such as MP4, AVI, and MOV. It’s important to note that a given codec can be wrapped into a multitude of containers. For example, the MPEG-4 codec can be contained by both AVI and MP4 wrappers.
Ok, so let's get back to the N8. The N8 is officially specified as supporting MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ audio codecs and DivX/XviD/MP4/H.264/H.263/WMV video codecs. This is actually a bit confusing because some of these are more often recognized as containers as opposed to codecs. The reason for this dual usage is because some codecs actually have containers named after themselves.
Ok, so let's get back to the N8. The N8 is officially specified as supporting MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ audio codecs and DivX/XviD/MP4/H.264/H.263/WMV video codecs. This is actually a bit confusing because some of these are more often recognized as containers as opposed to codecs. The reason for this dual usage is because some codecs actually have containers named after themselves.
Alright, this is getting really twisted but here's the bottom line. The N8 seems to be more robust at playing MP4 formats as opposed to AVI formats. I say this because 90% of my MP4 movies play on the N8 while only about 60% of my AVI movies seem to work. My solution to this is to convert my AVI files to MP4 by using a free program called appropriately enough 'Convert AVI to MP4'. The program is fast and simple to the point of being idiot proof. There aren't any settings or anything to mess with. You simply click a button to open the AVI file to be converted and that's it. Here's a screenshot...
The program can be downloaded for free at http://www.convertavitomp4.com/. I've been using it for a few months now with no problems. Also, if you'd like to learn more about codecs and formats check out these references.
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