Best free codec for MP4?

[FowlersFreeTime]

I downloaded some videos from my A6700 to my dad's pc and the MP4s won't play. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on codec packs to get windows media player to behave properly without having to download a whole new program on his laptop.

On my own pc, I had a bunch of video software from my past efforts at YouTube but I've honestly forgotten how I got there. I will continue to research.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Bummer. Best answer I could find online is:

Windows does not support HEVC natively, so you need to install an HEVC codec with 0.99 USD from its store, or re-encode it with a universal codec, e.g MP4 h264/MPEG-4 using a piece of video converting software.

Of course, it could also be the format is XAVCS, but same story.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I haven't resorted to giving Microsoft my $1 yet, but I decided to download Kodi and VLC. The files play in those programs, but still don't play in Windows Media Player and they are not very smooth. Looks like I might have to go down the rabbit hole of converting video files to a more friendly format.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Catalyst Browse was the answer. Downloaded it for free from Sony and figured out how to export my video clips using this program into a more Windows friendly format (AVC/AAC MP4). I was also able to shrink the file size and stabilize the video footage while I was at it.

Only con I can see with this process is it takes long. Like 20 minutes to export a 2 minute video clip!

 

[Richard A]

I have downloaded Catalyst Browse but I haven’t used it yet. It’s supposed to be really good for stabilising video from Sony cameras. I have a Mac so playing video is no problem. All the Apple Silicone processors have video encoding & decoding hardware on the chip.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I have downloaded Catalyst Browse but I haven’t used it yet. It’s supposed to be really good for stabilising video from Sony cameras. I have a Mac so playing video is no problem. All the Apple Silicone processors have video encoding & decoding hardware on the chip.

Yeah, I am jealous of Macs for their better native support and generally better handling of video.

 

[AlphaWorld]

I have downloaded Catalyst Browse but I haven’t used it yet. It’s supposed to be really good for stabilising video from Sony cameras. I have a Mac so playing video is no problem. All the Apple Silicone processors have video encoding & decoding hardware on the chip.

I know, I know, I'm a horrible pedant. Blame it on all the proof-reading I do sometimes.

I do like the idea of an Apple Silicone CPU - would probably make it easier to handle high temperatures.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I know, I know, I'm a horrible pedant. Blame it on all the proof-reading I do sometimes.

I do like the idea of an Apple Silicone CPU - would probably make it easier to handle high temperatures.

Indeed. There might even be a Mac mini in my future...

 

[AlphaWorld]

Indeed. There might even be a Mac mini in my future...

The new Mini looks like a beast!

I'm tempted, too, but I really need 4 Thunderbolt ports (two screens, an external drive, and a card reader) - I'll stay with my M1 Max Studio for now, but gee, that Mini is tempting as well as tiny.