XVID File Format: Everything You Need to Know

With an increase in the quality of images, there’s also an increase in the size of video files. One of the best ways to reduce these sizes is by compressing the file as a video file and storing it as an Xvid codec. This article explores what an Xvid file is and the best Xvid player to help open Xvid files on different devices. We’ll also provide you with an Xvid vs. DivX comparison to help you understand the two video codecs.

Part 1: What Is an Xvid File

Before you learn how to play videos in Xvid format, you should first know the meaning of an Xvid file extension. It is pretty different from DivX and popular for video clips and movies. An Xvid file is simply a program used to compress the data of a video file. It uses the MPEG-4 technology, which allows for smaller sizes of files and a faster transmission over the internet to save size and speed. In addition, most of the time, Xvid files have Advanced Simple Profile (ASP) features.

Xvid usually comes with a GPL-free software license. This allows for the easy compilation of Xvid files on any operating system and device. In addition, Xvid video tracks are often found in AVI container files, making them accessible on different media players. However, there are situations when Xvid doesn't work, and your media player rejects the file. In such a case, any of the media players we would be featuring in this article will help you solve the issue.

Part 2: How to Open an Xvid File

Most media players can play Xvid files, especially Blu-ray and DVD players. This section will explore media players that allow you to play Xvid files on various devices.

Part 3: Xvid vs. DivX - What's the Difference

DivX and Xvid are video codecs that help you store raw video files you can stream over the network. They make video files smaller by compressing data and encoding them, then decoding when necessary for playbacks. However, most people believe the Xvid file is the same as DivX. Therefore, we cover an Xvid vs. DivX comparison here.

1. What’s the Connection between Xvid and DivX

The primary connection between both video codecs is that Xvid was born from DivX. When developers created the DivX network, it was an open-source MPEG-4 video codec under a restrictive license. This meant that only members of its research center could write access to it. In 2001, A member of the research center wrote an improved version of the encoding core names ’Encore 2’. However, this code only lasted a short while in its public source repository. After a while, Developers took encore2 and started creating new projects using the same core. The resulting project was Xvid.

DivX and Xvid are both codecs that feature inexact data compression, which reduces the file size by removing details that human perception would find unimportant. However, this doesn't mean a loss of quality on both video codecs.

2. The Differences Between Xvid and DivX

Xvid is an open-source codec and is the main competitor of DivX.

Overall, these two converting programs enable users to compress their files without losing quality. Additionally, DivX players usually play Xvid videos.

3. Xvid or DivX - Which Format Is Better Suited For Your Needs

Xvid is commonly used to prepare videos you would like to share online, as it significantly reduces file sizes. It is used on peer-to-peer sharing services like BitTorrent and many others. People also use them on CDs and DVDs as most Blu-ray and DVD players are compatible with Xvid format.

On the other hand, DivX is no longer as common as it used to be due to its discontinuation in 2000. It only works on DivX-certified players. Therefore, DivX is an excellent option to convert video to a popular container to cut down on file size without losing quality. It is also best if you want a proprietary codec that’s well protected.

Part 4: How to Recover Lost or Deleted Xvid Files

It doesn’t matter how you stored your videos; anything could happen, leading to the loss of your video files, such as formatting error, improper file transfer, malware attack, computer crashes, etc. But don't worry. When users delete a file from a storage device, the header links go away, but the data remains until a new video file occupies the space. A video recovery software like Wondershare Recoverit gives you the best chances of recovering your lost Xvid video files.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Now you know what a Xvid file is and how you can open them on different devices. Unfortunately, while some of these media players are free to use, some of them require payment to explore their full features. This article also provides insight into recovering your lost Xvid file, so you never have to worry about permanently losing a file again.

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