New
#61
There seems to be some wide disagreement within the replies here about whether anyone even needs any codec packs in W7 WMC and also "if" one should install or use one. I can also clearly note that too many people think that this is an answer to unrelated playback issues. I see no explanations here for the lay man on what codecs are or why they would ever be needed.
Doesn't the use of 'file association' and 'allowing codecs to be downloaded automatically' cure most codec related issues, noting that WMP12 (and therefore WMC) natively supports the mostly widely found formats?:
File types supported by Windows Media Center
If you are experiencing playback issues with W7 MC, I suggest reviewing the W7 help pages first:
Windows 7 Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows
Additionally, I note that using hardware designed for at least MS Directx 9.0C (many older video cards and sounds card do not) will cure more playback issues that any codec pack will solve.
Of course, local laws related to proprietary files formats, the use of encrypted files, licensing and copyrights should also be reviewed carefully before proceeding to install so called third party fixes.