Re: The big question : Codec recognition from

> You miss a big point here, all those transformations need an extra layer (what 
> you call transor)m which also means it needs an extra memcopy and memory 
> bandwidth is a top speed factor on many systems, leaving this stuff in the 
> player/codec allows much more effective handling.

Look at this page :
http://mcf.sf.net/transor/

You'll that a major conception point is the use of zero copy memory 
buffers (like on network systems).
Of course this is a major point that should be taken in account.