Suggestions for free DVD player codec/decoder?

[ardhill]

Hi

It appears that the codec/decoder?? in my PC isn't up to date - well according to the Media Player decoder check programme thingy. So, something isn't working right and I need a new one apparently.



Anyway, I am looking to download something that will allow me to play DVDs on my computer again. I don't need anything flash, I only use it occasionally - thus I would rather have a free one.

I have seen this one DVD player software, DVD/video player software, free downloads, codecs which appears to be full of adware and another one that has a load of reviewers saying it is buggier than a two week old wheelie bin in the summer. Even when I tried to download that one, it only partially downloaded.

Is this any use to me do you know? http://www.cole2k.net/?display=Codec-Pack-Standard I'm not even sure what it does (A computer A/V expert I am )

Or can someone just point me to an easy answer please
.

[jar_uk1]

Is there actually a problem with DVD playback? I think the red cross you have only means it is not compatible with Windows Media Center Edition (MCE) so unless you have a problem, it should still decode video fine.

what happpens when you try and play a dvd?

John R

[XeN]

Free-Codecs.com : Download K-Lite Codec Pack 2.75 FULL, K-Lite Codec Pack 2.74 STANDARD, K-Lite Codec Pack 2.74 BASIC : K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of codecs and related tools

[ardhill]

Originally Posted by jar_uk1

Is there actually a problem with DVD playback? I think the red cross you have only means it is not compatible with Windows Media Center Edition (MCE) so unless you have a problem, it should still decode video fine.

what happpens when you try and play a dvd?

Yes John, there is something not at all well, that is what alerted me to there being a problem. The issue appears to be with the sound track rather than the picture. The best way I can describe it is that it sounds like it is going through a rather badly configured echo/delay effects box.

This is the same with Media Player or Real Player.

XeN, I installed that but it doesn't appear to make a difference.

[XeN]

Hmm, try the following:-

1.Check you have the latest drivers for your sound card, if not grab them and install and try again.
2.Check other processes aren't using up resources. Do this by holding down CTRL - SHIFT and ESCAPE together. This brings up Windows Task Manager. You can monitor the processes running in realtime to see if any are hogging CPU time etc.
3.If your computer plays other videos ok, check your DVD drive isn't faulty or that the discs are thoroughly cleaned.
4.If you have Nero installed check out this link --> DVD Playback (choppy) Problems in WMP 10 after installing Nero 6 Ultra and Updates. - Nero & InCD - Club CD Freaks

HTH

[jar_uk1]

As Xen said it might be sound card/driver related or even the drives audio connection?

Do you get the same audio problem from videos replayed that do not come direct from the drive (got any divx's etc?)
Does it play an audio cd direct from the drive ok?
Do Mp3's that you have previously encoded play ok (if you have any).

John

[Mal Bridgeman]

I have had a similar sound problem in the past and it was caused by the sound card. A couple of things to try....get up to date drivers is always the best option!! Alternatively, bring up the Volume control panel and try Muting the channels and bring them back one at a time. I have had it where the sound went through two channels slightly out of sync.

HTH
Mal

[Carlb]

I dunno what sort of sound card you have installed, but if it is a Creative one it is possible that you have some EAX preset/effects turned on (other cards may have similar options). You would have to check this out using the software provided with the sound card as it doesn't show up in the normal windows volume control box.

[ardhill]

The computer is a Compaq presario 700 Notebook, so probably some sort of on-board generic sound card - nothing fancy. And the DVD drive is only a player.

I will try some of your suggestion when I get home. Play a CD, MP3 (though I think these are fine), check for card updates and check the settings and levels.

Thanks for the suggestions

[XeN]

Thats a link to your sound card drivers (I think)