Background

Decoders decode data that has possibly been extracted from a file by an extractor. They don't decode files. See ContainersVsCodecs for more information about the distinction.

Encoders do the opposite of a decoders. They take raw data (video or audio) and encode it. Together decoders and encoders are referred to as codecs.

For more background please refer to the The Annotated BeBook. Helpful information can be found the MediaFile and especially by looking at media_file_format, BMediaDecoder, and BMediaEncoder.

1. OpenBeOS.DecoderEncoderAPI.CurrentPractice
2. OpenBeOS.DecoderEncoderAPI.OutstandingIssues
3. OpenBeOS.DecoderEncoderAPI.OtherApproaches
4. OpenBeOS.DecoderEncoderAPI.ProposedAPI