What Video Codecs and Container Formats Are Supported?
oCam supports a range of video codecs and container formats so that users can choose from various recording options.
Below is information about the video codecs supported by oCam.
* How to Check Supported Video Codecs
You can check the video codecs supported by oCam simply by clicking the 'Codec' button in the oCam main window. From this menu, you can easily view and adjust the list of available codecs and their settings.
* Supported Video Codecs
oCam supports the following video codecs for different container formats. Each codec is encoded according to the selected container format:
- MPEG-1: Used with the AVI container format and widely compatible as an early digital video compression standard.
- MPEG-2: Used with the TS and VOB container formats and suitable for DVDs and broadcast streaming.
- MPEG-4: Used with a wide range of container formats, including MP4, MKV, M4V, MOV, FLV, and WMV. oCam uses MPEG-4 as its default codec, offering high compression and good quality.
- XVID: Used with the AVI container format. It is an open-source codec based on MPEG-4, and oCam internally uses the MPEG-4 codec with only the FourCC set to XVID.
- OpenDivx: Used with the AVI container format, also based on MPEG-4, with the FourCC set to OpenDivx.
- Microsoft MPEG-4 Part 2: Used with the AVI container format and set as oCam's default codec. It can be played in most video players, such as Windows Media Player, without installing additional codecs.
- Microsoft MPEG-4 Part 3: An additional option available for the AVI container format, offering compatibility and quality.
* Relationship Between Container Formats and Codecs
oCam supports various container formats, and according to the image you provided, the supported container formats are as follows:
- MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14): Uses the MPEG-4 codec.
- MKV (Matroska): Uses the MPEG-4 codec.
- M4V (iPod MPEG-4): Uses the MPEG-4 codec.
- MOV (QuickTime): Uses the MPEG-4 codec.
- WMV (Windows Media Video): Uses the MPEG-4 codec.
- FLV (Flash Video): Uses the MPEG-4 codec.
- AVI (Audio Video Interleave): Uses MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, XVID, OpenDivx, Microsoft MPEG-4 Part 2, and Part 3.
- TS (MPEG-2 Transport Stream): Uses the MPEG-2 codec.
- VOB (MPEG-2 PS): Uses the MPEG-2 codec.
- GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): Can be saved as an animated GIF when recording video.
- Audio Recording: Saved in AAC (MP4) format.
By default, oCam records in the AVI container using the Microsoft MPEG-4 Part 2 codec, and this setting is suitable for beginners because it can be played immediately in Windows Media Player and other players without installing additional codecs. MPEG-4, XVID, and OpenDivx are all internally based on the MPEG-4 codec, with only different FourCC codes used to extend compatibility.
* Audio Codec
The audio data saved during recording is encoded in MP3 format, and in some cases, such as with the MP4 container, AAC format is also supported.
* Additional Information
If you install external codecs, you can use more codec options, which will be covered in detail in a separate post. You can adjust oCam's codec settings to match your desired quality and file size, so check the options through the 'Codec' button and test them as needed.
Today's News/Tips
oCam Advanced Settings - Sound
oCam is user-friendly software that not only supports screen recording but also allows you to fine-tune sound recording settings, helping you achieve optimized recording for a wide range of audio input environments. In the settings window that appears when you click the "Tools - Options" menu, selecting the "Sound" category on the left lets you check and adjust microphone-related settings. This tab is especially useful for users who need to solve microphone input issues or apply specific audio settings. Below is a detailed explanation of the settings available under the "Sound" category.
Current Microphone Settings
The "Sound" category provides options related to the current microphone settings, and by default, these settings are configured appropriately for most users, so they can usually be used reliably without any changes. In a typical recording environment, both system sound and microphone audio are recorded properly, and the default settings are generally enough to capture high-quality audio. For example, when using microphone input for lecture videos or game streaming, the default settings are sufficient for most needs.
Resolving Microphone Audio Issues
However, in certain situations, especially when using a USB audio interface or advanced audio equipment, you may encounter an issue where microphone sound is played through only one speaker, either the left or the right. This usually happens when the audio input channel settings are not configured correctly. In the "Sound" category of oCam, simple setting adjustments are provided to resolve this issue.
If sound is coming from the left speaker only: Change the microphone input source to "Input 1 (Left Channel)" to fix the problem. This setting correctly adjusts the microphone audio signal when it is focused only on the left channel, allowing balanced output through both speakers.
If sound is coming from the right speaker only: Change the microphone input source to "Input 2 (Right Channel)." This setting adjusts the audio signal coming into the right channel so that it is evenly distributed through both speakers.
These setting changes are especially useful in environments that use USB audio interfaces or stereo input, and they are an essential feature for users who want to optimize audio quality.
Usage Tips
The settings in the "Sound" category are simple, but they are very effective for resolving issues in certain audio environments. For example, streamers or content creators using a USB microphone or audio interface can quickly fix audio channel issues through these settings. After changing the settings, it is a good idea to run a short test recording to make sure the microphone audio is being recorded evenly on both channels. It is also important to adjust the microphone input level properly so that the sound is not too loud or too quiet.
If you are in a normal environment without a USB audio interface, you can usually get stable recording results just by keeping the default settings. However, if you are using advanced audio equipment, adjusting these settings to balance the audio output can be very helpful in improving the overall quality of the video.