Posted: 10/19/2006 10:57:35 PM EDT
| Hey guys, I've been having problems using Windows Media Player to view videos (.mpg) I D/L off the internet. When I play them, it's just the skins or the title of the video, but it looks like it's playing, just no sound or vid. I looked at some of the FAQ's, and it looks like I need a DVD Decoder. Is this right? If so, what is the best free dvd decoder out there? Thanks |
The "DVD Decoder" is actually an MPEG-2 Codec. Since MPEG-2 is a proprietary codec, any "free" versions are by definition "gray-area" or bootleg. You basically have two choices: 1) Install any commercially available DVD player like WinDVD or PowerDVD. Often you get one for free bundled with a DVD drive. That will install an MPEG-2 codec on your system that can be used by any media player. 2) Install one of the "free" MPEG-2 codecs like "Stinky's." I've never used it because I usually install PowerDVD and that takes care of my MPEG-2 needs, so be sure to let me know how it works.  BTW - while you're at free-codecs.com, be sure to grab Real Alternative and QuickTime Alternative so you can rid your PC of those two resource-hogging, association-hijacking pieces of shit. I use both and they work great! Good luck! |