Codec

Codec stands for coder/decoder and refers to the encoding of analogue media like audio or video into digital format and subsequent decoding upon playback. Codecs are methods of achieving this process (they are often called 'algorithms'). The encoded media are sometimes referred to as essences. For practical purposes, the encoding usually means compressing the original media so it produces a file that is usable and can be stored without occupying vast amounts of storage space. Media formats for audio and video employ different codecs - generally there is an inverse relationship between the level of compression and the quality of the corresponding output