FTC disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.
An Xvid is a video file format very similar to MP4 that uses the Xvid codec.
It compresses and decompresses video file using MPEG-4 technology that makes files sharing easy and save lots of space on your disk.
Moreover, Xvid compresses video files retaining superior video quality compared to other video codecs.
Most video codec compresses video files by sacrificing video quality in exchange for smaller file sizes.
This is the reason why most free video streaming sites run live streaming with the poor video quality.
What is Xvid?
Xvid is a free cross-platform video codec that compresses the video using MPEG 4 standard.
Moreover, Xvid is free, open-source software distributed under GNU General Public License (GNU GPL). It means that you can modify and develop its core.
Also, Xvid is cross-platform, which means that it can be used in any platform or operating system.
Additionally, Xvid is a good competitor of DivX and is also derived from the word “DivX.” So, when you reverse the word “DivX,” it will form Xvid.
The good part of Xvid is that it compresses the video file without losing video quality and makes it affordable to share it online.
You can fit HD quality Xvid videos into one CD-ROM or DVD-ROM because of the small file size.
The Xvid-encoded video files can be saved using extension .xvid.
Moreover, in some rare cases, it can be used to combine two extensions like tutorialvideos.xvid.avi.
Why use Xvid file?
The Xvid file has many advantages:
Support high performance
Xvid file is swift and light to CPU that is optimized to take fewer resources.
Moreover, you can record Xvid videos in realtime and play HD quality Xvid video smoothly without any problem.
Support every platform and devices
The major advantage of using Xvid video files is supporting all platforms and supporting popular video players.
You can use Xvid video files on your entertainment devices like DVD players, Blu-ray disc players, TVs.
Support strong compression
The Xvid codec compresses video files into smaller sizes so that they can be fit the DVD-ROM disk.
As per Xvid developers, 100 GB footage can be compressed to a size of 500 GB and also retaining DVD quality.
It is estimated that it compresses video at a ratio of 200:1
The compressed Xvid file is convenient in transmitting through peer-to-peer file-sharing services like BitTorrent or online video hosting services like Openload.
Retain great picture quality
Xvid codec compresses video files without losing picture quality. It will retain clear and sharper picture quality.
The Xvid compression is also known as “lossy” compression because it removes those picture details that are not important for human perception.
The video quality can be compared with MP3 Video.
How to play Xvid file?
The Xvid file is supported by most modern DVD and Blu-ray players. Also, the video player that supports the DivX codec can support the Xvid codec.
If you are unsure whether your player supports Xvid video files or not, you can check it on the device manufacturer website.
Moreover, if the Xvid videos file is encoded with advanced MPEG-4 technology such as MPEG quantization or multiple B-frames, most DivX players won’t be compatible.
The video player that can decode MPEG-4 ASP encoded video can play Xvid files.
The popular video player includes a VLC media player, MPlayer, Windows Media Player, DivX Plus Player, BS Player, and MPC-HC.
The popular Mac video player like Elmedia Player can also support Xvid file, but it is not free.
Moreover, some video player has an inbuilt facility to decode Xvid file like VLC. But, some players required Xvid codec to compress and decompress Xvid files like Windows Media Player.
Additionally, both Windows and Linux operating systems support Xvid codec software.
Further, the iOS devices can play Xvid files using the OPlayer app, and Android devices can use the RockPlayer app.