Video Decoder

This article explains video decoder, including what video decoding is and how it works, to enhance your understanding so that you can better use it.

A video decoder is a hardware or software used to decode or decompress the encoded input signals in the form of video along with other data such as audio and subtitles for playback.

The decoder receives the encoded video streams and then interprets and reconstructs the compressed data into graphical images, making it suitable for viewing on various video screens. The decoding process involves the use of codecs.

Based on the functional blocks of the decoder, you may better understand how the video decoder works:

• Analog processors
• Y/C (luminance/chrominance) separation
• Chrominance processor
• Luminance processor
• Clock/timing processor
• A/D converters for Y/C
• Output formatter
• Host communication interface

(Source from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_decoder)

There are two categories of video decoders:

📍 Hardware video decoders take advantage of the hardware components, typically on a GPU or a specialized video decoding chip, to decode encoded video streams. For example, set-top boxes or professional IRDs (Integrated Receiver Decoder).

📍 A software video decoder uses the CPU to decode and read video data. Here are some popular options:

• FFmpeg
• VLC Media Player
• LAV Filters
• Libvpx
• Intel Media SDK