Does a video file show a black screen or fail to play, and you’re unsure what it contains? VideoInspector examines a file’s video and audio properties, including its codecs, so you can check compatibility and codec availability.
Which details does VideoInspector report?
VideoInspector presents technical properties for an opened video file. Its readout includes duration, resolution, frames per second (FPS), bitrate, and an indication of video quality. Audio details include the codec and channel count, while the video stream’s codec is reported separately.
It reads common containers including AVI, MKV, MPEG-1/2 and QuickTime MOV files. The container format and the codecs inside a file are distinct details: a container can hold video and audio streams encoded with different codecs.
Codec availability and downloads
Along with identifying the codecs a file uses, VideoInspector checks whether those codecs are installed on the computer. That information can narrow down a playback problem: if a required codec is missing, the codec check points to a possible compatibility issue.
When a needed codec is absent, the program offers a way to download codecs directly through VideoInspector.
Checking a file
For example, when a Matroska file will not play, check its video and audio codecs and whether those codecs are installed. VideoInspector also reports properties such as bitrate, duration, and audio channels, which can help describe the file when diagnosing playback or preparing it for another workflow.
Pros
- Reports duration, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and video quality
- Shows video and audio codecs and installed codec availability
- Names support for AVI, Matroska, MPEG, and QuickTime files
- Can download missing codecs from within the program
Cons
- Newer formats such as MP4 with HEVC or AV1 are not among those listed
What video formats does VideoInspector examine?
AVI, MKV (Matroska), MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and QuickTime files.
Can VideoInspector tell whether a codec is installed?
Yes. It reports the codecs used by the video and whether those codecs are installed.
Can I download a missing codec through VideoInspector?
Yes. The program provides a way to download codecs directly from within it.