DivX Pro Plasma Codec (alpha) gives 34% improved compression

November 11, 2004

kalas used our news submit to tell us about a new compression scheme, straight from the DivX laboratories. For those of you looking for some thrills and are bored to tears with not so dangerous beta programs - we have an alpha here for your perusal. Code name Tritium. I don't know what the heck Tritium is, but let's just say in alpha form "it doesn't come when it's called."

What"s new in DivX Pro Plasma Alpha build 1394 (Tritium):

R&D for the DivX Pro Plasma codec has been focused strictly around improving video quality and compression.
In our testing Plasma improves compression over DivX Pro 5.2.1 by 8 - 34% depending on bitrate and resolution, ultimately translating to better video quality without increased file size.
Better still, all enhancements are within the confines of DivX Certified profiles so you can reap the benefits on your DivX CE devices with no impact on content compatibility.

Well this sure looks like an interesting project, they even use a cartoon monkey to filter out the bugs, which we at CD Freaks approve of wholeheartedly! The DivX Pro Codec Plasma Alpha is available to all and does not require a registered version of DivX Pro to use. Just however, first install some version of DivX 5.2.1, then load plasma over the top.

Source: DivX labs