opinions on "best" software DVD player

[pglenn]

I am currently setting up a HTPC computer, and I am looking for a very good software DVD player for it. I do know that everyone will have their opinions on this and I am glad to hear all experiences and opinions based on my current hardware and needs.

I have the setup as listed below. I have been testing using PowerDVD-XP and ZoomPlayer Pro (not sure of version), as well as the MSI-DVD software (again not sure of version but it is new as the PC is only 2months old) that came with the MotherBoard. I havent been able to play DVD thru Windows Media Player yet but I really dont want to. During the last couple weeks I have had all three of them lock up and fail in one way or another. of the 3 the MSI-DVD so far seems to play the "cleanest" but testing with it has been limited.

(NOTE - the ZoomPlayer was using PowerDVD DVD decoders so it may not be a fair comparison tho I do like its controls much better)

I deleted all programs, I re-installed my OS and installed just the below listed programs, so I could basically start from fresh (other than completely wiping my HD).

In addition to the above, I have installed an ATI Remote Control (USB), DIVX-codec/player, the most recent Video card drivers, directx 9.x, Norton/Symantec, and TV-Tool. I also began installing myHTPC. I have a wireless LinkSys network card and have been accessing some of the video files across that and some from the local drive. The locks have occurred from both the video files and while playing DVDs from the same programs.

I dont suspect current conflicts with what I have installed but of course that is always possible.

Patrick

WIN-XP professional
AMD XP 2200+
80GB Ultra ATA133 7200rpm 2MB Hard Drive
MSI-440T MSI GeForce4 MX440 W/TV-out 64MB 8X AGP Video Card
MSI KT4AV-L Socket A/KT400A/DDR400/8X/A/L/ATX Motherboard
2 x 512MB DDR333 PC2700 Kingston Original
"generic" LG DVD player

[gitreel]

power dvd 5

[monzie]

Its your lucky day....only came across this today posted in a another forum........

http://htpcnews.com/main.php?id=ffdshowdvd_1


hth

[teegee420]

My favorite is probably Power DVD. I have WinDVD also because of all the filters that can be applied. I used to use Sonic Cineplayer too which is also good, but light on features.