Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 01:30 pm
DivX stands for Digital Video Express.
It is an efficient codec that compresses long videos, especially movies into smaller file sizes without compromising on quality.
The DivX format can reduce MPEG-2 video (used for DVD video) to about 10% of its original size without noticeable quality loss.
In the old days, a whole DVD movie can be squeezed into a CD-R or standard DVD-R.
So good is the compression that the DivX format is often called the MP3 of Internet video.
Time was when it was useful when it came to distributing wedding, vacation, and corporate training videos.
In the late 1990s, DivX was the first video codec for the Windows AVI container format with efficient compression along with good picture quality.
It enabled video streaming with acceptable video quality.
Types of DivX Codecs
There are four types of DivX codecs.
The first is the MPEG-4 Part 2 DivX Home Theater codec.
The second is MPEG-4 DivX HD codec
The third is the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC DivX Plus HD codec.
The fourth is H.265 DivX HEVC Ultra HD codec.
Let’s look at the two popular DivX codecs.
MPEG-4 Part 2 DivX Home Theater Codec
During the pre-HD era, this codec was used to rip DVDs.
It had a shortcoming, though.
It couldn’t replicate the features of a DVD. On ripping a DVD, you don’t get the interactive menus, multiple subtitles, chapter points, and audio tracks. This was possible with a format like RatDVD.
The shortcoming was set right when the DivX6 codec was released in June 2005. This full media container format supported the above DVD features with smaller file sizes.
DivX Plus HD Codec
The DivX Plus HD codec was introduced in 2009. It uses the MKV/Matroska container with H.264 video and AAC audio for good-quality HD video.
Videos come with the .mkv extension.
The maximum resolution supported is 1920 x 1080 (1080p of Full HD) at 30fps and 1280 x 720 (720p) at 60fps.
8 subtitles (SRT)tracks are supported.
8 audio tracks (MP3, AC3, and AAC) are also supported with surround sound.
How to Play DivX Files
Among the software media players that support DivX playback is the VLC Media Player.
A free DivX player is also available at the official DivX site.
DivX- Supported Devices
According to the DivX site, about 1500 consumer electronic devices are compatible with DivX Plus HD.
This would include HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and even mobile devices.
It also claims that there have been 1 billion DivX software downloads.
Also, 15 billion devices are licensed for DivX playback.
How to Convert MP4 to DivX
You can download the free DivX software from the official DivX site to convert MP4 to the DivX format.
The software comes with a DivX player and converter. It also lets you cast video from your PC to your TV via the DivX Media Server.
Alternatively, you may use a free converter like Handbrake. If you have a small MP4 file size, you may use an online video converter to convert it to the DivX format.
DivX DVD Players
Standalone DivX players are also available for direct DivX playback.
Check out this selection of players if you are in the market for a DVD player that supports Divx playback.
