Best playback software for ripped movies?

[Vrex]

I know there are a lot of programs available for playing backed-up movies directly from the HD. (Apparently Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center will not play DVD folders or image ISO files without creating a virtual drive?) So, what is the best program for direct playback? What do you use? Besides VLC and Media Player Classic, there are about a dozen more players listed in the playback guide. Is there any reason to buy a commercial program like WinDVD or PowerDVD? If so which is the best value? Thanks in advance for any info, suggestions.

[unclebud]

I use VLC whenever possible. It even plays back most .flv files capped from Youtube and other places.

[Vrex]

I use VLC whenever possible. It even plays back most .flv files capped from Youtube and other places.

UncleBud,
Thanks for the advice. I just downloaded VLC, and tried it out. It worked well playing back a movie from both an ISO image file and vob files. Probably easier to just keep all backups as image files.
VLC plays back MKV files, but no mention of AVCHD? Since it plays mpeg-4 (or VC-1), I assume it will play Blu-ray discs or files ripped from a BD (BDMV)? If I sound confused, it is because I have skimmed some of the information about various codecs and containers and my head is still spinning! Good Lord, why do video formats have to be so complicated? Any reason to use any other players?
Thanks again for any further clarification.

[biney59]

I try to use WMP for everything, except things like MOV files.

WMP can play almost all files if correct codecs are installed with correct settings. WMP on my computer can play MKV, AVHCD, and DVD from a disc or the actually folder (just double click on the VIDEO_TS.IFO file).