Read time: 7 minutes

Summary: This text discusses video codecs and their role in encrypting and decrypting data for playback. It highlights common reasons why a video codec may not support certain media files and offers solutions, including installing relevant codecs, converting file formats, repairing corrupted files, and using media players that support various codecs.

A codec comprises a sequence of coded instructions or lines that facilitate the encryption and decryption of data within a file. This encryption and decryption process occurs in signal format. Codecs play a crucial role in various activities such as visual conferencing, web browsing, video media playback, and application modification.

Numerous contemporary media players are accessible nowadays, addressing the global challenge of video file incompatibility with various video codecs.

Let’s delve into a crucial inquiry: why do certain video codecs fail to accommodate media files? The challenge arises when videos encounter playback issues, indicating insufficiencies in backend support from the media player.

Common factors why the video codec does not support few media players

The variables encompass a spectrum, including the specific media player used, its version, the operating system on the device, and more. Given the vast global population of over seven billion and nearly ubiquitous electronic device usage, identifying every factor can be challenging. Rest assured, we’ve gone above and beyond by meticulously filtering and emphasizing prevalent causes behind the occurrence of the “video codec not supported” error..

Below are common scenarios where users face the similar issue:

  1. Lacking the video codec or pack that assists the media file – The importance of a video codec in media processing and playback has been emphasized. Its significance is evident in fulfilling the fundamental requirements for processing and playing media. Without a codec, the effective functioning of processing is compromised. Occasionally, popular video players such as VLC encounter problems when the video codec is incompatible. Notably, media players like VLC have an integrated codec adjustment feature, eliminating the need to search for, download, and install codecs independently when facing this issue.video codec not supporting the video
  2. The file format does not suit the codec – In addition to the absence of a compatible video codec, the file extension plays a crucial role in video playback. An incompatible video file format will inevitably result in encountered issues, such as the video failing to open and displaying an error message stating “video codec not supported.”
  3. A corrupt file wouldn’t be able to be processed and viewed – There are various factors that can lead to the corruption of a media file, resulting in altered data compared to the original. This often triggers a message indicating that the video codec does not support the corrupted media file, a frequent occurrence for users.
Implementable ways to bypass the issue of video codec not supporting the media file

It’s time to address the problem of unsupported video codecs. Having discussed the common causes of this issue earlier, let’s now delve into various strategies to resolve it.

  • Install relevant and updated codec and pack – To determine whether your VLC media player is up to date and equipped with the necessary video codecs, refer to the provided image. Simply launch the media player and access the “Help” menu marked with the numeral 1 at the top right of the interface. From there, select “Check for updates” labeled as number 2.Check for updates
    After obtaining and installing the appropriate and up-to-date video codec and package, the media file will commence processing and streaming. In this scenario, the media player is equipped with the most recent version, ensuring it contains the latest codec support files.
    updated video codec and pack
  • Change the video format to the one that supports the file format of the media file
    One approach to prevent encountering an error related to unsupported video codecs is to convert the file extension to a compatible format for the video file. Essentially, this entails converting the media file to a format that utilizes a suitable codec.

Here is step wise guidance for you to implement the conversion of one file from one type of file format to another:

  1. After opening the media player (VLC in this case), select the “Media”, and then “Convert/Save” options, tagged as number 1 and 2.Convert and Save options
  2. Following that, upon selecting the “Convert/Save” option, a subsequent display box will emerge. Within this interface, navigate to the “File” tab and choose either “Add” or option 2. Subsequently, upon selecting the specific file for conversion, activate the “Convert/Save” option as indicated by number 3.click on Add or number
  3. Next, a new display box will appear, prompting you to choose the desired video file format for the conversion. After making your selection, click on the “Start” button located at the bottom right of the screen. This action will initiate the conversion of the file extension accordingly.click on start
    Shut down the media player application and attempt to open the file using an alternative file format. If the file opens successfully, that’s fantastic. However, if the media file still refuses to open, it’s possible that internet-related streaming issues are at fault. In that case, it’s imperative to address and fix all video streaming issues using appropriate troubleshooting methods.

If you do not have that amount of time to invest in, then the below tool will surely resolve your problem at-hand.

  1. Repair the corrupted file with a tool designed and built for this kind of error – If the aforementioned methods proved ineffective for resolving the issue, here’s an alternative approach that focuses on addressing media file corruption. While manual methods are effective for healthy video files, when dealing with corrupted videos such as VLC player not playing MKV file files, utilizing specialized video repair software becomes essential for professional resolution.
  2. Install and use a media player that supports most video codecs – An alternative method to circumvent the problem is by employing an alternative media player, specifically addressing the “VLC player not playing MKV file” concern. By installing and utilizing a different media player, you can enhance the likelihood of smooth media file playback, given that many media players support various video codecs. Notable alternatives such as Windows Media Player, GOM Player, and Kodi have demonstrated compatibility with MKV files, providing a viable solution for seamless video playback.

Concluding Remarks – A quick say before your reading ends

We’ve covered the definition of a codec, the function of a container, potential causes for the video codec unsupported error, and actionable strategies to prevent it. These practical steps are accessible to individuals with limited technical expertise. However, if these steps don’t resolve your issue, consider using a tool like Kernel Video Repair tool which can fix corrupted and unplayable video files in different formats. It’s a viable solution even for those without advanced technical knowledge.

Rest assured that the video quality remains consistent, regardless of its resolution being 4K, 8K, VR, or 360-degree. Our single tool effectively addresses all the necessary fixes. We trust that your concern regarding video codec compatibility with media players is adequately addressed.

Kernel Video Repair