Real Player - Codec Required!

[SAH]

Hello,

I'm trying to play an AVI file using Realplayer, but it says that it needs to download new software to play the clip which it tries to do unsuccessfully .It then says there is no software available to play the clip and in the detail part of the report it says ICM.SP44 I assume this is the codec required, bit is there anywhere I can obtain this codec without downloading a virus!?

[Buenchico]

Right-click on the AVI file. Select Open With > Choose Program > Wordpad.

You'll see a load of 'garbage' but, near to the start, you'll find "vidsxxxx", where 'xxxx' is the codec used for the video (e.g. you might see 'vidsMP43' which tells you that you require the MP43 codec).

Then go to this site:
http://www.fourcc.org/
and click on 'Video Codecs'.

Look through the list to find the relevant codec and the appropriate website. Theoretically, that should take you to the original developer's website, where you can download the codec. Unfortunately, the information you provide suggests that the codec might be SunPlus's SP44. There doesn't seem to be any reliable stand-alone version of this codec available. However, ADS Technologies is a well-respected company and their website includes a download for a device driver which includes this codec:
http://www.adstech.com/products/USBInstantVide o/downloads/drivers/USBAV170.exe
(NB: That's an executable file. While the source is, as I've stated, well-respected, please virus-scan it before running the application).

Alternatively, switch to a media player which doesn't rely on obscure codecs. I'd be very surprised if these players didn't work:
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
http://www.gomplayer.com/

Chris

[ACtheTROLL]

a couple of alternatives

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alter native.htm

http://www.gomlab.com/eng/main.html?langgtype= eng

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Meg a_Codec_Pack.htm

[SAH]

Thanks for the info Buenchico and ACtheTROLL, but I've now managed to find the codec ICM SP44 which I scanned for viruses first:

http://www.codeclibrary.com/video.php?page=9

I can watch the videos OK now!...Buenchico your tip about using wordpad will definitely come in handy again if I get the same problem! :-)

[rojash]

SAH, how refreshing to find someone who cab spell definitely!

[rojash]

And how extraordinary to find someone who can't spell "can" :-)

[ACtheTROLL]

roj

are you taking the poss?

[fiesata]

Use GOM player as above imo it beats Windows Media player by a country mile

or the player that plays virtually everything first time the excellent VLC player

Here
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

[rojash]

ACtheTROLL, I thought that was Heathfield's job...