IVF files are associated with "Indeo Video" image encoding format developed in 1992 and compatible with processors available at that time. IVF format was the first video format to allow full-speed video playback without using any GPU acceleration.

IVF codec has been improved many times and various version newer released during its life-cycle. Current version is designated as 5.11 (IV50) and is available under freeware license. IVF files can be opened using free media player MPlayer.