Query involving Video Compression

Alright... it's been a long time since I've done anything with videos, but an excuse has shown up to do so. Of course, since I changed my computer, something is getting in the way...

The question I have is this: I am using VirtualDub to attempt to compress a video file, and my options for compression formats are... limited. I actually have DivX and Xvid on this new computer, but -neither- are showing up on the list of available compression formats.

So, how do I get DivX or XviD on the list of available compression formats in Virtualdub? And if that isn't possible, which of the formats would be the 'best' to compress a file in? Formats available right now: Intel IYUV Codec (FOURCC: i420), Intel IYUV Codec (FOURCC: iyuv), Microsoft Video 1.

Or should I just track down a better compression software?

My guess would be you have the XviD codec installed for playback, but not for encoding purposes. Try downloading and installing it from this site here and see if it shows up then.

Alternatively you could also try encoding with x264, which is considered slightly better than XviD but I don't know if it's as widespread as XviD, so be wary of people complaining they can't play it.

EDIT: If this is your first time encoding with VirtualDub I'm going to guess that you may eventually run into the problem that your stock audio compression options are less than desirable. To get greater choice in choosing bitrate and stuff I also recommend installing the LAME MP3 ACM codec.

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you could also try encoding with x264, which is considered slightly better than XviD but I don't know if it's as widespread as XviD.

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That is a very good quality CODEC but be sure your computer is up to snuff (CPU and memory-wise) when crunching videos with it.

Thanks for the help.

I decided to go with XviD for the whole compatability thing. It also seems that the x264 might be a bit iffy on the support.

Uploading from that site didn't appear to help the problem, so I tracked down this website and uploaded that bit of zeroes and ones. The XviD codec showed up then.

Compression, away!