need for a good software video player

[greendesert]

Well, I don't understand why this happens with VLC

I am using an old P4 computer with onboard video. When I try to watch any movie i.e. avi or mkv file etc. the audio starts but video takes a long time to display. And if I fast forward there is artifacts in the video and sometimes it hangs but the audio goes on. When I run BS Player or SM player, it plays perfect with no such problem.
Is there any setting / tweaking which would help me get rid of this problem.

What is the other alternative to VLC even if paid ?

[fritzi93]

I use MPCHC in my HTPC. (free). Works perfectly for me, high definition transport streams too. No doubt there are several software players that would be satisfactory, but you could try that one.

[jagabo]

I prefer MPCHC but KMPlayer is also free, highly configurable, and works pretty well.