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Best Video Player/Codec Pack
I figured I'd post this so that we can get a list of the most useful video players and codec packs. There are so many out there, but there are some that are better than others. Feel free to add your own favorites.
Video Players
** VLC Media Player **
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
One of the best media players out there. It'll play almost any video file without a problem. Also, it doesn't require any codec installation for use.
** Media Player Classic Homecinema **
http://mpc-hc.sourceforge.net/
A free media player based on the original Media Player Classic. Note that this player is not a variant of WMP, in fact it's not related. This player doesn't require a codec pack be installed in order to play most files, but it's a fairly popular player for videophiles.
Mplayer
http://www.mplayerhq.hu/design7/news.html
An alternative to VLC. It's a decent player, but not quite as popular as the others.
KMPlayer
http://www.kmplayer.com/forums/index.php?
Another player that doesn't require codecs to be installed. Developed by Pandora TV.
Mainstream Options:
Windows Media Player
Winamp
Quicktime/iTunes
DivX Player
Codec Packs
** K-Lite Codec Pack **
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/...codec_pack.htm
One of the best comprehensive codec packs available. It'll allow you to play pretty much any video file you can find. It's pretty bloated, but worth it if you're going to come across alot of codecs.
Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP)
http://www.cccp-project.net/
A decent alternative to K-Lite. It'll allow you to play most files.
Matroska Pack
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Matroska_Pack.htm
A lighter codec pack that'll allow you to play .mkv files and many of the modern codecs. It's gotten good reviews.
Real Alternative
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/...lternative.htm
Allows you to play Real files without downloading the latest Real Player.
Quicktime Alternative
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/...lternative.htm
The same as the Real Alternative, except for Quicktime files.
Popular Individual Video Codec Types:
DivX/XviD
MPEG2/4
H.264
RealVideo
Note: There are a ton of different codecs out there. I haven't listed them here because it would be a waste of space since only a handful are used by most people. The most popular codecs are DivX, XviD, Matroska, and MPEG-4. My personal recommedations are noted in **, either VLC or K-Lite w/ MPC HC if you plan on viewing everything under the sun. If you're an average video viewer, any player which includes a minimal codec package should work well.
Last edited by not so gray matter; 13 Apr 2010 at 16:00.