Filters and Codecs

We really recommend Lav filters for playing back video files. They are not installed natively on Viewline but you can download and install them from here or by adding a video, right clicking on the video and selecting source. If we set up the machine, we will install Lav filters. If we don’t setup your PC then you will have to download and install Lav filters.

There are other filters such as ffmpeg and ffdshow. These can also be used, but we find Lav filters work best.

Why the filters thing? Well the CCTV hardware suppliers don’t work to a video output standard, so we have to try and cater for every eventuality. Lav filters does that but it’s something we can’t incorporate in our software and sell because it is on a free license. Basically we can’t sell something that has a license that prohibits selling.

Codec stands for compression/decompression. Raw video files can be quite large, so we compress them and when they are played they are decompressed. We use the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec.

If Viewline is being used in Live mode a video capture device should be attached via USB in which case the correct driver should be installed. The device will be seen in the Settings box (right click the live video screen to see settings. Below this, Xvid MPEG-4 Codec should be seen. As explained this is our recommended compressor for live video.