What is DivX?

Digital Video Express, more commonly known as DivX, is a video file format that was first introduced as an alternate way to rent movies. The idea behind the technology was to create DVD-like discs that were playable only in a format-specific player for a specified amount of time. After the expiration date/time was reached, the disc would be rendered unplayable, unless the renter paid an additional fee. The encryption on the discs was unique, which prevented them from being able to be played on a normal DVD player.

However this particular use of the video format met its demise in 1999, thanks to the overwhelming popularity of the DVD format and a lackluster support from customers. And then the name was resurrected from the ashes by a company called DivX INC.

The format was completely rewritten so that instead of renting pre-recorded videos, users could use it to create and play their own high quality videos with image quality rivaling that of commercially recorded DVDs, though using a fraction of the space of a traditional DVD file. Because this format is so easy to use and produces such high quality, small sized video files, DivX is the format of choice for users looking to store and exchange videos digitally rather than on physical media.

What’s even better is that viewing DivX files no longer requires the use of specialty players to decode the encryption. The codec can be downloaded as an add-on to any popular video player, such as Windows Media Player. There is no new software to purchase or learn to use. Writing DivX files will require you to download software specifically for this purpose. There are both freeware and paid software versions you can use to create these files.