Windows Media Player DVD

 

You would think that modern media players are supposed to play DVD by default.

 

Should I need more software to play my DVD?

 

My PC requires the proper Codec (MPEG-2) to play DVDs in my laptop using any media player (just not windows media player). A CODEC is a combination of COder-DECoder. When media is written to DVD or CD, using some special algorithms, it will be encoded in to a specific compressed format. This encoding also decides the quality of the media.

 

At the time you play the disc, this encoded media cannot be played as it is. It should be decoded on your computer before it can be played back on the screen.

 

There the Codecs come in to picture.

 

Some players automatically download the codecs from websites to play the media, and some don’t. In my case, windows media player 11 has never been able to download a codec to play a DVD successfully, and this is by design.

Initially I struggled a bit to find out what to install in order to run my DVD movies in Windows Media Player 11. Then I found out about the DVD plugin for windows media player.

 

The article is here:  http://www.updatexp.com/windows-media-player-11-dvd-decoder.html

 

I have installed the XP and Vista plugins and voila ! Now I can enjoy my movies…

 

So if you are not able to view DVD movies, do not re-install your windows XP, instead go and install a proper codec from the above website.

 

Regards

 

What is a Windows Media Player DVD Plugin ?

 

WMP Plugins are optional "addons" that you can make Windows Media Player do new things.

 

There are 3 main types of plugin:

 

DVD Decoder (MPEG-2 Decoder)
Audio Effects (DSP)
PowerToy Plug-ins

 

However, the most popular plugin is adding DVD playback capabilities!

 

Well known software companies like COREL and CyberLink make these Windows Media Player DVD Plugin that will work on both Windows Vista and Windows XP.

 

One of the benefits of these plugins is that they allow you to use the familiar look and feel of Windows Media Player and so you do not have to learn how to use new software...

 

For more information on these Windows Media Player DVD Plugins you can read this informative article by the respected Microsoft MVP, Marc Liron, on choosing a DVD Player For Windows Media for your computer.

Leave a comment if you require any help.

 

Regards

 

Xavier Lane - Windows Media Player Product Specialist