Enable WMP to play FLV

[limneos]

In order to let Windows Media Player to support playback of FLV, there is a simple solution in order to add and install support of FLV to WMP, without messing with ffdshow filters (Tip: actually by just installing ffdshow, WMP will support playing of FLV) . PlayFLV is capable of enable Windows Media Player to play FLV (Flash Video) files.
What PlayFLV does is that it installs and registers FLVSplitter by Gabest, and then binds or associates FLV files to Windows Media Player, enabling playback of FLV files by simply double-clicking on the files with .FLV extension PlayFLV setup installer will also prompt user to download and install ffdshow, required for movies in Flash 7 file format.
Features of PlayFLV

• Plugin that enables Windows Media Player to playback FLV files.
• Features all default functions, such as zooming, skipping and full screen view.
• Creates file association: Double-click FLV files to play them in Windows Media Player.
• Very lightweight plugin.
• Free and open source (download source code of PlayFLV).

A quick addition with no extra player apps...

 

[swarfega]

or install Shark007.net - Windows 7 Codecs which will will not only install ffdshow but various other needed codecs as well. The author states that his installer does not overwrite any of the existing micrsoft codecs that come with windows 7.

 

[limneos]

The author states that his installer does not overwrite any of the existing micrsoft codecs that come with windows 7.

In that case, I like yours better...

 

[mhealy]

Shark007 is a quality codec pack, very little that it won't play and super easy to setup. Especially with a dedicated Media Center it can save you a load of time.

 

[imacken]

I've installed Shark007 and it is great at playing flv files.
One question though, why do the flv files not show up in the 'Videos' list within WMP. I have associated flv with wmp.

 

[johngalt]

I think that is a limitation of the libraries right now - it is not checking to see what is associated,but what is specifically added to the libraries....and when it scans the folder it only scans for default file types...

Either that or you haven't rebooted

 

[imacken]

It's very weird. Some flvs show up and others don't. It seems to be vids downloaded from Youtube via 'www.downloadyoutubevideos.com' that don't show up in the libraries.
Interestingly, in Media Center, the files show up but when I try to play them, it says the file doesn't exist!
So, they don't appear in WMP, but it will play them via libraries in windows Explorer, and they do appear in WMC, but it won't play them!

 

[Kittyburgers]

Is there any chance that MS might include this feature (playing FLV files with WMP) when the final release is out? I've been using Real Player to play FLV files.

 

[FredPinVT]

I am using RealPlayer for my media until MS can get their media player to function like theirs. Works great and no other downloads are needed.

 

[AngelProcesser]

I have not used Fred's solution, but at least I trust RealPlayer to not mess my PC up...Well known group, with an eye towards a quality solution, surely tested..

Good for you, Fred...(BTW, I use Winamp for my music as it just seems to work)

I am not opposed to third party solutions, heck, that is what Windows was built for, I am however opposed to ones that are not from a trusted source.

I rep'd you!

 

[FredPinVT]

thanks, SP, I have used RP for years and never had a problem with it. Now and then I try WMP to find any new features but I always end up back at RP. Dependable and easy to use and they do run updates... There are several options but RP is as good as it gets, to date... (my personal opinion, winamp is good too, I just prefer RP)

I am surprised that MS hasn't made flv files more adaptable to WMP though.

Fred

 

[FredPinVT]

An update, Real Player works well but will not play some of the newer files without purchasing their upgrade. I found VLC Player works well in addition to or instead of Real Player.

 

[Clarksea]

I downloaded the Playflv file and extrated it to my documents file. Is there something else I should be doing as WMP will still not play .flv files? Have I extracted to the right place? There are 4 text docos, a FLVSplitter.ax file and a playflv.nsi.
Please can someone help.

 

[AngelProcesser]

Is one of the files named "readme"?

 

[FredPinVT]

Read me

Read me files contain only instructions for applications or programs and do not actually have any functionality. However, you should "Read" the file to see if there is any information pertinent to your situation.

Fred

 

[AngelProcesser]

I see Fred read. Way to go! :sarc:

 

[FredPinVT]

FLV

I have tried all of these "fixes" and the only one to work for me was VLC. I am surprised that Windows doesn't seem to mind that their player is only half of a device. It' is their loss, perhaps someday they will include the codecs?

Yes, SP, I did read. I try to make a habit of that now before I ask a question... because it really does help. And it keeps one from looking too foolish... How are things with you??

 

[AngelProcesser]

Enjoying a weekend with family (and my new granddaughter!!) Thanks for asking!

 

[Clarksea]

FLV and read me.

The readme said "Congratulations you have now loaded ..........etc.
To get the files to work just open using WMP and reply continue to the security message when prompted"
Something like that anyway. So, I clicked on my FLV file, WMP started and said it didn't have the correct codec to play the file and would only ask me to close.
When I looked at the configuration for this, FLV was not listed just things like XVID DIVX 3,4 and 5, MP41 to 43 and something called H.263+

 

[FredPinVT]

WMP is too limited without additional codecs. I still recommend Real Player as it plays most audio/video files. Try it. it is free and it is my default player. There have been a few new developements of late, more advanced MP files will not play in RP. VLC will play those. But one plus for RP, you can save many files to your computer.

Enjoy...