fcc edit - FourCharacterCode Editor

About fcc edit

With fcc edit you can change the AVI files' codes for videostream and codec (called fcc, four character code). This is especially useful when a codec was used that is not installed on the playback system. In this case the fcc(s) can be changed to a compatible codec installed on the system.

For example the Canopus DV editing system produces AVI files with the fcc CDVC. The Microsoft DV codec (installed on many Windows-based PCs) only appears to be responsible for the fcc dvsd. As a result you get an error message when you try to playback the file.By modifying fccs from CDVC to dvsd it works without installing the additional DV codec from Canopus.

Installation

fcc edit is an executable file running on Windows - no installation is necessary. Simply copy fcc.exe to your system (e. g. C:\Program Files\Tools\) and start it.

Usage

Load the AVI file by using drag-and-drop or with Open. If you picked a valid AVI file the current fcc values of video stream (vids) and codec are shown. The status line displays the offsets where the fccs were found.

You can chose the new fcc from the drop-down-lists or type them in there. The  > -button transfers the current fcc to the list if you do not want to change it.

With Apply the new fccs are written to the AVI file. If you want to cancel your changes please note the fccs shown - there is no particular undo function within the application. However, the media data is not touched: only the 2*4 Bytes of the fccs are modified.

Context Menu

In Extras you can find Create context menu extension. This creates an extension for the Windows Explorer context menu - if you right-click an AVI file you will find the additional entry edit fcc within the menu. This starts fcc edit with the selected file. By chosing Remove context menu extension this extension will be removed (uninstalled).

Options

In the options dialog (Extras - Options) you can modify the lists for fccs used in the drop-down lists. Separate each entry with a single white space.Reset to default recalls the initial settings.

While you are using fccs that are not contained in the drop-down-lists they can be automatically stored for future usage - simply check collect used fccs for this purpose..

Known Issues

There is no undo function. fcc edit has been tested with several AVI files (especially DV and MP4-/DivX codecs). Nevertheless misfunctions with different AVIs are possible.

The context menu extension works as long as the file extension .avi is associated with the same file type (normally AVIFile). This is the case for standard Windows systems by may be changed by installations of other media players (e. g. RealPlayer). If you find the extension disappeared from the menu, simply register it a second time.

The software can be freely used (freeware). There is no support provided by the author. Use at your own risk.