LAV Filters

LAV Filters is an open-source collection of DirectShow filters that enables the playback of a wide range of video and audio formats on Windows systems.

Based on the popular FFmpeg multimedia library, LAV Filters offers robust decoding support and aims to provide seamless playback without relying on bloated codec packs.

It serves as a vital component in many media player setups, including MPC-HC and other DirectShow-based applications.

Features

Wide Format Support: Decodes almost every multimedia format, including MKV, MP4, AVI, FLV, MOV, and more.

Hardware Acceleration: Supports DXVA2 (copy-back and native), Intel QuickSync, NVIDIA CUVID, and D3D11 for smoother playback.

Bitstreaming: Enables audio bitstreaming for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and other HD audio formats.

Subtitles Handling: Built-in support for embedded and external subtitle streams.

Multi-threaded Decoding: Optimized for multi-core CPUs to ensure smooth decoding performance.

Splitters and Demuxers: Efficiently demuxes audio/video streams from containers like MKV and MP4.

User Interface

LAV Filters does not have a full GUI but includes a functional system tray settings panel for each component (LAV Audio, LAV Video, and LAV Splitter).

These panels allow users to toggle options like hardware acceleration, format selection, audio mixing, and subtitle prioritization. It’s minimal but very configurable for power users.

Installation and Setup

Installing this tool is straightforward. The official installer packages all components and provides checkboxes to select which filters to install. During setup, users can choose to register the filters for use with DirectShow players.

Advanced users may also manually tweak the filter merit or use external tools like GraphStudioNext for fine-grained control.

How to Use

Once installed, LAV Filters works silently in the background. Most modern media players will automatically use LAV Filters if registered. You can right-click the filter icon in the system tray during playback to access the settings menu.

Here, you can adjust formats, enable hardware acceleration, or customize audio settings. It’s also compatible with tools like madVR for advanced video rendering setups.

FAQ

Do I need LAV Filters if I use VLC?
No. VLC uses its own built-in codecs and does not rely on DirectShow or external filters.

Can LAV Filters improve video quality?
Not directly, but when paired with renderers like madVR, it ensures optimal decoding which indirectly enhances playback quality.

How do I update LAV Filters?
Uninstall the previous version, then install the latest version from the official website. Settings are typically retained.

Why isn't LAV Filters working with my player?
Make sure your player supports DirectShow and that LAV Filters are registered correctly.

Does it support 4K and HDR?
Yes, with proper hardware and renderer configuration, it supports 4K and HDR content decoding.

Alternatives

K-Lite Codec Pack Full: Includes LAV Filters but also adds other tools and codecs.

ffdshow: An older decoder with similar goals but less actively maintained.

Shark007’s Codec Pack: Feature-rich pack that includes LAV and other decoding tools.

MPC-HC with built-in LAV: Ideal for users who want a media player bundled with the filters.

Pricing

This program is completely FREE and open-source under the GNU GPL license. No premium versions or hidden costs.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• CPU: Dual-core or higher recommended
• GPU: For hardware acceleration, compatible Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD GPU
• RAM: 2 GB or more

PROS

• Lightweight and efficient
• Broad format support
• Hardware acceleration
• Highly customizable
• Actively maintained

CONS

• No full graphical interface
• May require technical knowledge to configure optimally
• Limited use for non-DirectShow players