Audio and video encoders and decoders are chips designed to convert analogue audio and video signals into digital signals that feed them back. These devices are comprised of converters of dual types, a DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) and an ADC (analogue-to-digital converter). The common term “Codec” is used for these chips, a fusion of "coder" and "decoder."
What are the audio and video encoders and decoders?
An audio encoder and decoder are integrated circuits or small chips usually employed in sound cards designed to capture speech and allow playback through a speaker. These chips consist of audio input and output to perform their functions.
Video encoders and decoders are used to convert digital video data into analogue video format and back again for processing.
How do the audio encoder and decoder work?
Audio encoders and decoders digitize analogue sources by transforming voltage levels into PCM (pulse code modulation) binary formats. For the digitized signals to be heard easily, they convert them back to analogue signals using an incorporated DAC.
How do the video encoder and decoder work?
Video encoders and decoders work in a simple combination mode. Video encoders capture and convert signals into a compressed format. In contrast, video decoders work in opposition to video encoders and convert the compressed signals or video into uncompressed form. The industry standards H.264 codecs are widely used video encoders with much-reducing efficiency of raw content data of almost 1,000 times.
Where are the audio encoder and decoder used?
Audio encoder and decoder chips are primarily found in various applications, including:
- PCs
- Tablets
- Handheld gaming sets
- Smartphones
- Portable media players
Where are the video encoder and decoder used?
Video encoder and decoder chips are integrated components of CCTV equipment, allowing users to take advantage of network video without sacrificing analogue CCTV and coaxial cable.
