Dekodere

Dekodere are devices or software that reverse encoding to recover the original information from an encoded or compressed stream. They are used across media, communications, and data storage to reconstruct video, audio, text, or other data.

A dekoder applies a decoding algorithm appropriate to the encoding format, often involving error detection and correction, synchronization, and format conversion. Hardware decoders are integrated into devices such as set‑top boxes, digital televisions, and dedicated decoders. Software decoders run on general‑purpose hardware, including computers and mobile devices, offering flexibility and regular updates. Some systems use a combination of both.

Common types include video decoders (for codecs such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4/AVC, HEVC, and AV1), audio decoders (MP3, AAC, FLAC), and image or data decoders (JPEG/PNG, ZIP). Subtitles and closed captions may be decoded as part of the video stream. Decoding is the counterpart to encoding, which compresses data for storage or transmission.

Dekodere are central to consumer electronics, broadcasting, streaming services, media editing, and various communications networks. They enable playback, display, and interpretation of encoded content across devices and platforms. The term is widely used in Norwegian, with the English counterpart being decoder.