GSpot
A required tool for anyone downloading lots of video from the Internet, GSpot is a codec detective capable of telling you which codec is required for viewing a specific AVI movie. By checking a database of 350 video and 150 audio codecs, the app scans your drive for available codecs, compares the video file header information for codec requirements, then lets you know whether you're PC has the required codec. A render feature examines the file to make sure you don't have any wonky filters in the play path causing playback to fail. By examining the file size, it lets you know whether pieces of the audio or video track are missing, which is also a possible cause of playback failure. Data about video aspect ratio, resolution, bit rate, frames per second, interlacing, and audio info for up to three separate tracks is all available too. Export the information and send it to someone with more tech expertise if you need help or simply copy the name of the codec into a Google search box and download the required file to make your video play correctly. Use in conjunction with AVIcodec to optimize your video viewing experience. [Windows 9x/2k/XP $0.00 - Suggested by Keith B]
