Video Codec Analyzer | Complete Metadata Analysis
Analyze video codec, resolution, bitrate, FPS, and more using HTML5 Video API and WebCodecs - all in your browser with no uploads.
What is Codec Analyzer?
Video Controls Plus includes a comprehensive video analyzer that extracts metadata from your video files using browser APIs. Get detailed information about resolution, duration, codec, bitrate, frame rate, and more without uploading to any server.
Information Extracted
Basic Info (Always Available)
| Property | Description | Example |
|---|
| Resolution | Width × Height | 1920×1080 |
| Duration | Video length | 5:32 |
| File Size | Size in bytes | 156.4 MB |
| Est. Bitrate | Calculated | 4.2 Mbps |
Enhanced Info (Via APIs)
| Property | Description | Example |
|---|
| Codec | Video codec | H.264/VP9 |
| MIME Type | File type | video/mp4 |
| FPS | Frame rate | 29.97 |
| Aspect Ratio | Display ratio | 16:9 |
| Has Audio | Audio present | Yes |
| Color Space | Color info | BT.709 |
How to Use
Quick Analysis
- Open Codec Analyzer
- Click "Select Video" or drag & drop
- View instant metadata
- Export report if needed
Detailed Analysis
- Load video file
- Wait for full analysis
- View all metadata tabs
- Copy specific values
- Export full report
Analyzing Streaming Video
- Play video on any platform
- Right-click Video Controls Plus
- Select "Analyze Current Video"
- View available metadata
Technical Details
Data Sources
- HTML5 Video Element
- Resolution, duration - Video/audio tracks - Basic metadata
- File API
- File size, type - Last modified
- Canvas Analysis
- Frame rate estimation - Color space detection
- WebCodecs (Modern Browsers)
- Detailed codec info - Enhanced accuracy
FPS Detection Method
Using requestVideoFrameCallback:
1. Record frame timestamps
2. Calculate intervals
3. Derive average FPS
4. Round to common rates
Metadata Reference
Resolution Classes
| Class | Resolution | Common Use |
|---|
| 4K UHD | 3840×2160 | Premium content |
| 2K QHD | 2560×1440 | High quality |
| 1080p FHD | 1920×1080 | Standard HD |
| 720p HD | 1280×720 | Web video |
| 480p SD | 854×480 | Mobile |
| 360p | 640×360 | Low bandwidth |
Common Codecs
| Container | Video Codec | Audio Codec |
|---|
| MP4 | H.264, H.265 | AAC |
| WebM | VP8, VP9, AV1 | Opus, Vorbis |
| MKV | Various | Various |
| AVI | MPEG-4, DivX | MP3, AC3 |
| MOV | H.264, ProRes | AAC |
Aspect Ratios
| Ratio | Use |
|---|
| 16:9 | Standard widescreen |
| 4:3 | Classic TV/monitors |
| 21:9 | Ultrawide cinema |
| 1:1 | Square (social media) |
| 9:16 | Vertical video |
Output Formats
Summary View
Quick overview with key metrics:
- Resolution and quality label
- Duration formatted
- File size
- Estimated bitrate
Detailed View
Complete breakdown:
- All detected metadata
- Track information
- Technical details
- Warnings/notes
Export Options
- Copy to Clipboard: Quick sharing
- JSON Export: Machine-readable
- Text Report: Human-readable
- CSV: Spreadsheet compatible
Use Cases
Content Creators
- Verify export settings
- Check source quality
- Compare versions
- Troubleshoot issues
Video Editors
- Assess incoming footage
- Match project settings
- Identify codec issues
- Plan transcoding
Tech Support
- Diagnose playback issues
- Verify file integrity
- Document specifications
- Communicate tech details
Education
- Learn about video formats
- Understand compression
- Study media technology
- Demonstrate concepts
Browser Compatibility
Full Support
- Chrome 94+
- Edge 94+
- Opera 80+
Partial Support
- Firefox (limited WebCodecs)
- Safari (limited WebCodecs)
Fallback
When WebCodecs unavailable:
- Basic metadata still works
- Some details estimated
- Codec detection from MIME type
Limitations
What We Can Detect
- ✅ Resolution, duration, size
- ✅ Basic codec from container
- ✅ Estimated FPS and bitrate
- ✅ Audio/video track presence
What We Can't Detect
- ❌ Detailed codec parameters
- ❌ Encoding settings
- ❌ Exact GOP structure
- ❌ HDR metadata details
For Detailed Analysis
Use desktop tools like:
- MediaInfo (free, detailed)
- FFprobe (command line)
- VLC media info
Best Practices
Getting Accurate Data
- Load full video file (not streaming)
- Wait for complete analysis
- Check all metadata tabs
- Verify against known info
Troubleshooting Videos
- Analyze the problematic file
- Check codec compatibility
- Verify resolution/bitrate
- Compare with working files
Privacy
- 100% local analysis
- No file uploads
- No data collection
- Works offline
Troubleshooting
Analysis Fails
- Check file isn't corrupted
- Try different browser
- Ensure file type supported
Missing Information
- Some data browser-limited
- Try Chrome for best results
- Use MediaInfo for complete data
Incorrect FPS
- Short videos may be inaccurate
- Variable frame rate detected
- Let video play longer for accuracy
Related Features
Conclusion
The Codec Analyzer provides a quick, private way to inspect video metadata directly in your browser. While it can't match dedicated tools like MediaInfo for detailed analysis, it's perfect for quick checks without installing software or uploading files.
Know your videos better - analyze them locally!
Last updated 2026-02-23 by Video Controls Plus Team.