Multimedia Guides: Audio and Video Codecs Articles

Useful guides and tutorials related to codecs and multimedia.

AC3 Filter vs LAV Audio: The Old Fix and the Modern One

26 Jun 2026

A plain-English comparison of AC3 Filter and LAV Audio, explaining which audio decoder to install for AC3 and DTS sound in 2026 and who still has a reason to pick the older one.

How to Stream Videos with MPC-HC

24 Jun 2026

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Enrich your media experience by streaming and downloading online videos directly through MPC-HC.

See What Your PC Is Doing Online - Wireshark Beginner Guide

19 Jun 2026

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A friendly, no-jargon walkthrough that shows everyday users how to watch their PC's internet traffic in real time using the free Wireshark network analyzer.

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AV1 vs H.265 in 2026: Which Codec Actually Wins on Your Devices?

15 Jun 2026

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AV1 vs H.265 in 2026: which codec wins on your actual hardware, and how to play either one.

Best Modern Codecs 2026

14 Jun 2026

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The five codecs behind almost every modern video and song - what each does best, and how to play all of them on Windows for free.

Codecs for Windows 11: The Free 5-Minute Setup That Plays Anything

12 Jun 2026

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A clear, no-nonsense guide to exactly which codecs Windows 11 is missing - HEVC, AV1 and Dolby audio - and the fastest free way to fix playback.

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How to Play MP4 Files (When They Refuse to Open)

11 Jun 2026

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A frustration-first guide to playing any MP4 file - online with no install, or with the right free desktop player and codecs when your browser gives up.

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How to Configure MPC Video Renderer for High-Quality Video Playback

7 Jun 2026

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Set up MPC Video Renderer with MPC-BE for sharp, HDR-ready, low-CPU playback - the free, open-source alternative to madVR.

How to Check What Codec & Filters a Video Uses on Windows

6 Jun 2026

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Three free ways to see what codec is inside a video file and which filters your player is using to play it on Windows.

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Best HEVC Video Players 2026

5 Jun 2026

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HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, offers superior video quality at lower bitrates compared to its predecessor, H.264.

How to Configure MP4 Splitter for Smooth, Stutter-Free Playback

5 Jun 2026

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Configure the free MP4 Splitter filter in MPC-BE to fix stuttering, audio sync drift, and MP4 files that refuse to play.

How to Use MakeMKV for Free

1 Jun 2026

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Convert DVD, Blu-ray, UHD, and AVCHD Discs to MKV for Free with MakeMKV.

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Browser Saved Your Image as AVIF? Convert It to JPG or PNG in 60 Seconds (Free)

30 May 2026

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Three free ways to convert AVIF to JPG, PNG, or WebP - desktop batch, online, or power-user. No upload, no watermark, batch-ready.

Best Places to Listen to Music for Free in 2026

27 May 2026

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Find the best free music streaming platforms that work instantly in your browser - no apps, downloads, or subscriptions required.

Run Android on a PC From a Portable SSD - No Emulator Needed

24 May 2026

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Boot a full Android OS on any PC from a portable SSD in 15 minutes. Bliss OS + X Drive Writer + free.

Best LAME MP3 Encoder Settings for Music, Podcasts & Audiobooks

24 May 2026

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Configure LAME MP3 Encoder with proven settings that deliver optimal audio quality for music production, podcast distribution, and audiobook archiving.