How to change Codecs used on a Video File

This post explains how to convert a video file to use a different codec than the original.

This can be useful, for example, when a given video player is unable to play a video with a specific codecs but you know another one that is compatible.

How to check which Codecs are used on a Video File

Open video file with VLC media player, go to menu bar > “Tools” > “Codec Information”.

The codec information will be displayed on a dialog.

Usually stream 1 refers to video codec, while stream 2 refers to audio codec.

How to change Codecs used on a video file

Actually, codecs used on a video cannot be “changed”, but instead we can create a new file with a different codec.

Open video file with VLC media player, go to menu bar > “Convert / Save…” > “Codec Information”.

On tab “File”, click on “Add” and select file to be converted to add it to list.

Click on “Convert / Save” button.

Under the “Profile” field, select the desired codec profile (e.g. H.264 + MP3 (MP4))

Click on “Browse” on “Destination file” field.

Choose location for output file . Default container is .mp4, but you may change it.

Click on “Start”.

Click on “Play” and wait until it is completed.

External references

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