What role does a codec play in AV technology?

A codec is essential in audio-visual technology as it is responsible for compressing and decompressing audio and video files. This process is crucial because it reduces the file size of multimedia content, making it easier to store, transmit, and play back without sacrificing quality. When audio or video is captured, raw formats can be very large and cumbersome to work with. The codec transforms these large files into smaller, more manageable sizes for transmission or storage, and then decompresses them back to a usable format for playback.

This capability allows for more efficient use of bandwidth during streaming or broadcasting and helps in maintaining a good balance between quality and file size. The selection of a certain codec can significantly impact the performance of AV systems, especially in environments with limited bandwidth or storage capacity. This function is foundational in ensuring that media can be delivered effectively across various platforms and devices.