Introduction

A codec (Code-Decode) is the software that allows programs such as a capture program (AmarecTV, Virtual Dub) and a video editor to create, open and export a particular type of file. For analogue video capture, lossless AVI codecs are recommended as they allow maximum information and detail to be stored in the captured file. This is desired when you’re improving/restoring the captured video.

Lossless Video Codecs

Lossless AVI codecs have a standard definition Common lossless AVI video codecs are (all must be installed manually; they will then become available for use in programs): UTVideo A fast, free codec that is regularly updated. VH comments here. HUFFYUV An old, free codec that is still in widespread use for video capture. Not the easiest to install. Lagarith An old, free codec that still works well. MagicYUV A fast, modern, paid codec which is my go-to for capturing and intermediate processing. It works flawlessly with Magix Video Deluxe.

Lossless Audio Codecs

Not a lot to say here; all lossless captures are done with the internal PCM audio codec (“WAV” extension).

Lossless Capture Bitrates

Video bitrates for lossless captures vary slightly, depending on the codec used but are generally between 30GB and 50GB per hour for 720x576/720x480 files. The audio bitrate for PCM is 1.5Mb per second or 660MB per hour.

Lossy Codecs

Lossy codecs are used to create the final product for distribution such as family viewing on the various devices and for upload to Youtube.

Video

The most common is H264 (aka “AVC”). This is an MP4 codec that will work on virtually every display device. Other video codecs are H265 (aka “HEVC”), which is has better-quality compression, meaning for the same visual quality, the file size will be smaller.

Audio

The AAC codec is universally recognised and it is a great match with H264. 192kb/sec at 48khz will result in good quality audio.