CompuServe Messages

You need what's called a codec (for "code-decode"). Codecs come in two varieties; software and hardware. Xing-CD is a software codec. The quality of the playback with software codecs depends on the speed of your hard disk, bus, video card, etc.. If your machine can't play MPEG back quickly enough without a little help, then you need a hardware codec. Many new video cards are coming out with hardware codecs either built right into them, or as "daughter-cards" which attach on to the video card. The cards with them built in go for about $350.00. I've been told about several software codecs available in the software forums here, but being new to Compuserve, I haven't figured out where they are or how to download them. I'm after one myself, so if I find one, I'll tell you how to get it. Dan