What is the 'best' codec that almost everyone would have?

[pX]

I have several 10min videos that I need to encode to put on the site I run for Andrew WK (awkshare.com), but the filesizes have thus far been over 70mb each file using MPEG2. I don't want people to have to download any codec to view the videos (so mp4 and divx is out). I reinstalled Windows to try to get an idea of what was available, but trying each codec isn't too appealing. Which 'normal' codec is 'best'? Does anyone know of any site with tips on ways to reduce size? (i.e. tweaking fps, constant/variable bit rate, audio, etc)
thanks!!!!

 

[JavaMomma]

WMV?

 

[MDE]

I'd try WMV9, but even that isn't a sure thing to be on everyone's system even though it should automatically download through WiMP.

 

[Concillian]

IMO Divx and MP4 have become pretty standard, but that may just be among 'computer nerds'

WMV is of questionable friendliness to MAC/Linux users. MP4 and Divx are more universal across platforms. If all your users are windows users, then WMV9, but you'll definitely have users that haven't updated their media player. Certain members of my girlfriend's family are still using Windows 98 with the default media player.

MP2 is the only true universal at this point.

 

[Jeff7181]

You could try bink... make an exe... don't need any codecs then IIRC.