Play DivX on Windows Media Player

[siluet]

Not fully clear what is required to play DivX, XviD (AVI) on Windows Media Player(9.0)?
Need I to install the DivX codecs(only one?) or the XviD Codecs only, no DVD-Rom required?

There is also 'VLC Media Player / Videolan' player that include required codecs already.
What is better to use, codecs or this VLC player?

[mats.hogberg]

To play DivX, you need the DivX codec, yes. ffdshow can also be used to handle many AVI codecs. WMP, like most Windows media players, use DirectShow, and need a DirectShow filter for the codec to be decoded.
VLC is good too - I personally prefer it over WMP, but that's a matter of opinion. It does not (I think) use DirectShow.
...and while talking about codecs: resist the temptation of codec packs - they may seem like a nice solution to all your video playback problems, but are generally the start of a codec nightmare, from which a reformat and complete OS installation may be the only escape.

/Mats

[siluet]

To play DivX, you need the DivX codec, yes. ffdshow can also be used to handle many AVI codecs. WMP, like most Windows media players, use DirectShow, and need a DirectShow filter for the codec to be decoded.
VLC is good too - I personally prefer it over WMP, but that's a matter of opinion. It does not (I think) use DirectShow.
...and while talking about codecs: resist the temptation of codec packs - they may seem like a nice solution to all your video playback problems, but are generally the start of a codec nightmare, from which a reformat and complete OS installation may be the only escape.

/Mats

I fully agree with this, I fear codecs also, and try keep my system stable and clean.
I prefer use WMP and basic video formats it supports default, .WMV video is good quality on PC. Unfortunately, there is a limited choice of full lenght videos/movies in .WMV format ..