What Is a DivX File?

If you are an ardent video consumer, you have probably come across many video files formats. While you may be familiar with some of them, such as MP4, AVI and MKV, some may be new to you. Though not exactly new, DivX has been around for quite some time, only that not many people have been using it.

DivX is lossy video compression software with the ability to compress video files up to one-twelfth of the original video with minimal loss in quality. Short for Digital Video Express, this video format was popularized by big movie companies such as Disney, Paramount, Dreamworks SKG, and Universal. The idea was to add a layer of protection to the encoded content so as to limit the duration of time the content could be accessed.

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Having learned that DivX compresses media up to a twelfth of the original size, you are probably considering downloading all your videos in this format. It will cost less bandwidth, and occupy less space on your device, but you need to learn how to play DivX format.

Here is how you can open and play movies in DivX format on your device.

You may not be able to create or play DivX files without the appropriate DivX codec. Known for its excellent video quality, this codec for Mac and Windows is compliant with MPEG-4 Part 2. The implication here is that this codec can play both DivX and MP4 files on your device. Don't be surprised if your traditional MP4 player plays DivX files without any fuss.

If you are on the Windows platform, you can enjoy your favorite videos in DivX format by downloading and installing a DirectShow filter known as ffdshow. This filter will enable you to play DivX videos on your Windows-based device without any challenges.

When installing the DivX codec, pay close attention to any notifications or warnings that may pop up during the setup process. The most common warning is whether you want to overwrite the existing codecs. You may also receive a warming about a digitally unsigned driver, but just click "yes" and the setup will continue without a hitch.

However, if the system asks you if the codec should play movies created with the old DivX codecs, please confirm, and complete the setup process. You should now be able to play DivX movies on the default Windows Media Player.

Your ordinary DVD drive will not be able to play DivX files. You will need to set aside some funds to purchase a new DivX-compliant player to play those VOD files. Also, you have to buy DivX discs though they were discontinued in 1999.

However, you really don't need any media on DivX discs because their players are quite expensive, and the services are no longer running. You can have those files on your local storage, and access them from a media player with the right codecs. If your device experiences problems playing those DivX files, consider downloading and installing a DivX player. It is freely available on the DivX website.

What if your DivX video still doesn't play even after installing the required codecs, converting the file to the supported format and installing the right media player? First suspect could be your machine, so you would do well to try playing the files on another device altogether. It is especially the case if your system lacks the relevant hardware and software, or has developed certain mechanical problems.

Copy the files onto a suitable portable storage device, such as the thumb drive or external hard disk, and transfer them to another working device. If it still doesn't work, you are facing a corrupted DivX file or wrongly encoded format, or in some cases, the wrong extension.

It should be a standard procedure by now to ensure that your systems and storage media are free from malware before using them. Those portable drives, and the internet, are the biggest suspects when it comes to the spread of viruses and other harmful software. Before you download the DivX files from the web, be sure to visit reputable websites and have internet security measures in place.

If you are transferring the files from another device, make sure you scan the portable storage media for possible infections. This process requires that you install an updated and efficient antivirus on your device. Forget those free anti-malware programs marauding the internet because most have very limited functionalities. To ensure your system is well protected, you have to make a little investment and get premium software. The cost will be nothing compared to the harm you will suffer when your computer gets attacked.