What codecs do I need to stream various file types in Orb?

**** This article is applicable only for 2.0x series of Orb ****
(To know your Orb version, click Orb tray icon - About)

All supported audio and video files (incl. recorded TV) need to be decoded on your Orb PC before Orb can stream them to the device (PC, PDA, phone) you are using to access your media. These files may be in several different formats with various file extensions.

The decoding of these files is done by codecs (i.e., encoder/decoder) which must be installed on the PC running Orb. Following is a list of file extensions and URL links to download free Orb-compatible codecs.

• For MPEG-2 files (DVR-MS, MPG, MPEG, and VOB extensions), use Dscaler5 which will be pre-installed in your system by Orb.
  
  Orb recommends that you set Dscaler as your preferred codec in (Orb tray icon > Configuration > Advanced > Codecs). If, however, this codec does not function properly on your system, you should change this selection.



• For MPEG-4 files (DivX, Div3, Div4, XviD, AVI, etc.), Orb recommends the FFDshow codec:
  
  http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/codecs_and_filters/ffdshow.cfm
  Notes:
  
  
  1. For DivX, Div3, Div4, etc. files, you may find that the DivX codec works better for you. You can download this codec from: http://www.divx.com/divx/windows/codec/
     
     
  2. For Google videos (GVI), you also need to install the Haali Media Splitter which can be downloaded from:
     http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/codecs_and_filters/haalimediasplitter.cfm



• For RealMedia files (RAM, RA, RM, etc. extensions) without installing RealPlayer on your Orb PC, you need to install the Real Alternative codec:
  
  http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm



Note: Streaming of .ra, .ram Internet TV / Internet Radio URLs are not supported in 2.5x series.



• For Quicktime files (3GP, MOV, QT, etc.) and for M4A files, you need to install FFDshow and Haali Media Splitter - both links are provided above - as well as Quicktime Alternative version 1.77, (even if you already have the Quicktime player installed on your Orb PC). You can download Quicktime Alternative from:
  
  http://www.free-codecs.com/QuickTime_Alternative_download.htm



• For unprotected .AAC and .AMR files, you will need an AAC parser and the CoreAAC DirectShow filter. You can download them from:
  
  http://www.rarewares.org/files/aac/aac_parser.zip
  http://www.free-codecs.com/CoreAAC_Directshow_filter_download.htm
  
  
• To stream DRM-protected iTunes files (AAC and M4P) in Orb, click here for details.



• For OGG Vorbis files (OGG, FLAC, etc. extensions), you need to install the Ogg codec:
  
  http://www.illiminable.com/ogg

Note: For most other file types, such as MPEG-1, MP3, WMA, WMV, etc., you should have the necessary codecs already installed by your Operating System.