DVD Decoder Choice

[Parc]

I'm running a clean install of XPHome, SP2. I haven't installed any
media players, audio or video, yet. The clean install included WMP 9,
but I haven't installed it yet. I assume if I do, it'll find the WMP
11 update online, and ask me if I want to install it. I'm pretty sure
I'll use WMP 11 for audio storage, ripping, and playback. My
understanding is that WMP 11 already has the audio codecs I need for
these purposes.

In order to watch DVDs, I know I need to install a DVD codec, but I'm
not sure which one is the best, or even how they interact if you have
more than one media player installed, and more than one DVD codec
installed.

I do have two other media players, that include DVD codecs, available
on disk to install: Sonic/Roxio Creator & MyDVD 7.0, and Cyberlink
Power DVD 8.0. I like the interface on both, and on WMP. I'd like to
install all three.

A few questions:
1) If I install both the Sonic and Cyberlink players, will they each
use their own codecs?
2) If I install all three players, including WMP 11, what DVD codec
would WMP 11 use?
3) Can I direct WMP 11 which codec to use? Can I direct ANY player to
use ANY DVD codec?
4) If I use WMP 11, is it best not to install one of the other full
version players, and just purchase a DVD codec, such as one of the
ones suggested on the WMP 11 site, here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/plugins.aspx#DVDDecoder

I have also read the following, but I wanted to ask what's 'your'
opinion/experience.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/faq/codec.mspx

Thanks a lot.

[Baldrick]

2,3) You can check and change default dvd decoder using http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=DE1491AC-0AB6-4990-943D-627E6...displaylang=en

[Parc]

Yes, thank you.

Do you have any opinions as to just install a player that comes with a codec, and then let WMP share it's codec, or is it best not to do that, and to purchase a separate codec, suggested by Microsoft, for WMP?

Reason I'm asking is because I've got many DVD players with codecs, which once installed, would allow WMP to play DVDs, but I don't know if that's the best route.

Thanks again.

[yoda313]

You can try mediaplayerclassic or vlc first. Both include their own codecs. I know mpc plays dvds, I don't remember if vlc does though, it will do mpg.

[Parc]

Yep. VLC does play DVDs (store purchased included).

I wonder if the codec(s) in VLC will work in WMP11.

[Dark Alpha]

Yes, thank you.

Do you have any opinions as to just install a player that comes with a codec, and then let WMP share it's codec, or is it best not to do that, and to purchase a separate codec, suggested by Microsoft, for WMP?

Reason I'm asking is because I've got many DVD players with codecs, which once installed, would allow WMP to play DVDs, but I don't know if that's the best route.

Thanks again.

Is there a one for Vista?

[wtsinnc]

I have both WMP 11 and VLC Player installed (XP Home Edition) and with that setup, WMP 11 still can not play DVDs.

[Ai Haibara]

VLC uses its own codecs, and doesn't install anything (codecs, DirectShow filters, etc.) that Windows Media Player can use.

I suppose there's also ffdshow; it seems to have support for MPEG-2, but I'm not sure how complete that support is.

[ricardouk]

Ive been unable to decode MPEG2/DVD with ffdshow using WMP11, installing Dscaler MPEG Filters fixed that.

MPC plays DVDS but i have been unable to select subs with it, VLC or SMPLAYER are also good choices.