Android : Android using newer APIs on older devices

I think the answer to my question is no but I'll ask anyhow. I'd like to use this http://developer.android.com/reference/android/media/MediaCodec.html but its "Added in API level 16"

I'd like my app to run on level 14 and above (Ice Cream) because there are a lot out there.

Is there any way around this other than forcing users to upgrade which isn't practical

thanks