Etymonix SoftReel is a software-only MPEG-2 video decoder filter for Microsoft DirectShow. It enables playback of MPEG-2 video files (*.mpg, *.m2p, *.m2v, *.mp2) in any application that supports DirectShow, such as Windows Media Player.

Its key features are:
- Decodes MPEG-2 4:2:0 and 4:2:2 video streams at all profiles/levels (excluding scalability extensions), including Super Video CD (SVCD), unencrypted DVDs (with an MPEG-2 audio stream), ATI .mp2, 'EM2V' AVI and 'PIM2' AVI files
- Enables MPEG-2 audio playback from MPEG-2 files
- Software-only solution does not require expensive hardware
- Exceptional video quality achieved using highly precise computations
- Fully compliant with Microsoft DirectShow (also known as ActiveMovie)
- Full IPB frame support (any GOP sequence)
- Frame-accurate seeking within AVI files
- A wide range of resolutions (up to 768x576) and frame rates (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 frames/sec), including NTSC (720x480, 29.97fps), PAL (720x576, 25fps) and SVCD (480x480 or 480x576)
- Correct scaling of video contained in SVCD and ATI .mp2 files (accurate aspect ratio)
- Can easily be integrated into DirectShow applications (for developers)
- Ideal for kiosks, PowerPoint presentations and watching video clips
- Optimized for MMX
- Supports both Intel and AMD CPUs
- Works with a wide range of players (including RealOne Player and all versions of Windows Media Player)
- Supports all screen resolutions and all pixel depths (8bpp, 15bpp, 16bpp, 24bpp and 32bpp)
- Runs under Win95, Win98, WinMe, WinNT4, Win2000 and WinXP platforms
- User-friendly setup program fully automates install/uninstall procedure