Being lossless, these files can be transcoded with the newer and more effective codecs without any loss.

WMA Pro, a newer and more advanced codec, supports multichannel and high resolution audio.

In 2003, Microsoft released new audio codecs that were not compatible with the original WMA codec.

Apple faces a similar problem, and due to the company's commitment to H.264, is likely to be even less keen to include support for the new codec.

On March 9, 2005, On2 announced a new codec, VP7.

Being free threaded is also a requirement for new codecs targeting Windows 7.

Several companies, such as DivX, Inc. and Magix, have announced support for the new codec.

This new codec is used by iChat AV for clearer video conferencing.

The big changes are WMP's new codecs, and the ability to stream media to other devices.

Before long, people testing this new codec found that it contained considerable portions of Xvid code.