Merlin
YourCodecs

YourCodecs

Why do some YouTube videos make the browser freeze, the computer heat up, and the cooling fans spin like it's about to take off? It's possible that the video selected a codec that your computer doesn't support.

What is YourCodecs?
Your Codecs is a customizable Firefox extension. It enables users to select and enforce specific video codecs for YouTube, such as H.264 (AVC), VP9, AV1. The add-on gives an option to block certain codecs and 60 FPS, in order to optimize video performance, reduce high CPU usage, and maintain the longevity of device's battery. It provides a dark UI design and supports both English and Chinese (Taiwan) languages. Derived from 'erkserkserks/h264ify', Your Codecs focuses on enhancing user experience and video buffer performance.
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Merlin
Stats
By: undecV
Users: 787 ▲ 20
Rating: 4.43 (7)
Version: 0.2.0 (Last updated: 2024-04-08)
Creation date: 2021-07-11
Weekly download count: 81
Firefox on Android: No
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood: Moderate risk likelihood
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • storage
Size: 33.07K
URLs: Website
Stats date:

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# 3561 ▲ 44
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Summary
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YourCodecs

Why do some YouTube videos make the browser freeze, the computer heat up, and the cooling fans spin like it's about to take off? It's possible that the video selected a codec that your computer doesn't support.

This is a Firefox extension that can select video codecs for YouTube. Force to play YouTube videos with H.264 (AVC), VP9, and AV1 codec.

README: ENGLISH, 正體中文

The codes modify (fork) from erkserkserks/h264ify, released under MIT Licence.

Feature

  • Optional select the codecs which want to block, AVC, VP8, VP9, and AV1;
  • Optional block 60 FPS.
  • Dark UI;
  • Language support: English, Chinese (Taiwan).
⚠️ If you block all codecs, YouTube will tell you "Your browser can't play this video.", it works as expected.
To enforce AV1, Options VP9 and AV1 need to be allowed (unchecked). the reason is unknown.
Sometimes, a hard reflash is required, i.e. Ctrl + F5.
Why YourCodecs?

YouTube consistently leverages cutting-edge technologies. From AVC to VP8, VP9, and now AV1, its latest video compression codec promises enhanced performance and quality compression. However, encountering a video with a codec unsupported by your hardware (GPU) leads to software decoding, significantly taxing CPU resources. This can result in overheating, sluggish performance, and reduced battery life, particularly on "older" devices. While YouTube typically automatically selects the codec for you, it may not always be your wish.

User reviews
Amazing addon
by James Morris, 2024-04-16
It works pretty well but the enable/disable toggle itself does not seem to work as expected. You have to select the codecs you want to block or unblock individually. It's 3 clicks instead of 1, which is fine and still pretty convenient.
by Alex5000, 2024-04-07
Works great to force H.264, please add the option to block it so we can force AV1 though. Thank you
by yeah, 2024-01-12
View all user reviews
Safety
Risk impact

YourCodecs is risky to use as it requires a number of sensitive permissions that can potentially harm your browser and steal your data. Exercise caution when installing this add-on. Review carefully before installing. We recommend that you only install YourCodecs if you trust the publisher.

Risk likelihood

YourCodecs is probably trust-worthy. Prefer other publishers if available. Exercise caution when installing this add-on.

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Screenshots
YourCodecs