Fast, who uses the Sony DVBK-1 hardware codec , and Matrox , who uses a chipset from Panasonic, decided to go the hardware route. It basically is a dedicated, embedded DV computer module. It simplifies the writing of drivers, because it handles most of the hard work on-board. Software-only codecs are hard to design and develop, but they cost next to nothing to reproduce. It's also much easier to add features to software codecs and their associated drivers.
Customers can simply download the next version from the web.
Soon, heated discussions ensued on who has the right and who has the wrong codec. A representative of Fast even announced on rec.video.desktop that his company is investigating at least a partial use of a software codec. We want your input. Copyright 1997 by the Authors. All trademarks recognized.