Software update: GSpot 2.5 beta 0

Forage alerted us to a new version of GSpot. This program is able to analyze avi, mpeg and vob files and provide detailed information about them. For example, it can tell which audio and video codecs were used in creating the video file and whether the necessary codec is installed on the system. It can also provide an overview of all codecs installed on the system, indicate which codec should be used with a particular file format and add or remove codecs. More information and various screenshots can here are being found.

Additionally, GSpot 2.5 beta contains a small test monitor to test various codecs in various configurations. It has its own “render” algorithm, independent of Microsoft’s. Though rudimentary (so far) the goal would be to intelligently connect the various sources, codecs, other filters & renderers in a manner which plays the file being examined even when Microsoft’s algorithm fails to. Those results could then be “applied” Microsoft’s render algorithm (and hence most player apps) by adjusting the merit & acceptable type lists as mentioned above. [break] click for a larger version