DivX, XviD, Codecs and WildWon

[WildWon]

Alright guys,

So i've been messing around with computers for 20 years now, and i've had my time of knowing what the fuck i'm talking about, but, as is with anyone that gets older, i'm needing help with something probably very simple.

Years back, when i first started effing around with codecs, there were simple packages of what was needed. I got a package, installed it, and i've had no problems over the years.

Now a friend has a new computer (well, used from another friend) and i want to get the proper codecs for him. I have done a few searches and i've found that there are tons of packs available, but the only problem is that a lot of them are bloated to shit and back with all kinds of useless programs and other little things that i don't think he'll need.

Could someone give me a listing of the most basic codecs to find? Or maybe just point me in the right direction of the smallest package to pick up? He just wants to be able to use WMP and he's not one for doing much else. So i'm not needing converters, players, editors, or debug programs. Just the most basic of the codecs that will allow him to watch a majority of whatever it is he wants to watch.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[jHoNDoE]

www.codecs.com here u can find everything u need

my suggestion: XP Codec Pack (for XP and Vista): http://www.xpcodecpack.com (during the installation select everything BUT Tools and it will install only the main codecs)

PS
also: CCCP (http://www.cccp-project.net) and Codec 8.x (http://www.m5studio.internetdsl.pl/codec.html) are both very good...your call

 

[FAST6191]

CCCP is designed just for this (I too have similar requirements for various machines and I use this instead of making my own custom package) but it tends to eschew windows media player in favour of something good.
http://www.cccp-project.net/

However you can set it to not change the player, just do not be surprised when WMP falls over with something slightly out of the norm.

 

[lagman]

K-lite codec pack basic

http://www.free-codecs.com/K_lite_codec_pack_download.htm

He should be able to play anything he wants.

Plus it comes with Media Player Classic which is great.

 

[WildWon]

Ah great, thanks guys! The k-lite pack was one i used years back, didn't know if that was still a decent name or not. I am trying to go REALLY basic for him. He is NOT technically inclined by any means, so i'll be sticking with WMP, unless he has something pop up as a problem. Only then, i MIGHT show i'm MPC. Don't wanna confuse the poor chap... yet

I'll also check out CCCP, since a couple of you have mentioned it.

Thanks!

 

[TheWingless]

I usually use the K-Lite codec pack, but I hear the CCCP is also good. Both seem fairly easy to install. The codec packs work universally so they can work on other media players(KLite has a setting to work with Windows Media Player rather than MPC), but I found that I like the prepackaged Media Player Classic better. Just remember to update every once in a while... because I also have VLC updated on this computer and watched some videos with H.264 and it didn't work out so well with K-Lite... Turns out the codecs were outdated.

 

[FAST6191]

You asked for a bloat free pack and in my experience klite comes shortly behind ACE Mega codecs pack in the king of bloat contest.

If it matters any media player classic (my player of choice) looks like an older version of WMP and as far as playing, pausing and what have you go there is very little that is simpler.

 

[WildWon]

I'm leaning towards Klite for the WMP integration options. My friend is VERY computer illiterate, and i'd like to keep it as built-in-to-the-system as possible for his sake. Does CCCP allow for non MPC options? I mean, i COULD set it up for him to use MPC, but as well as being non-'puter-savvy, he's also a heavy toker, so sitting him down to explain anything... well, i have to repeat the same instructions over and over and over. I love him to death (hes an ex-roommate, and pretty much a brother), but explaining ANYTHING tech is pulling teeth heh.

 

[Salamantis]

CCCP is what I use. It has everything I need and works just fine.

 

[TheWingless]

Does CCCP allow for non MPC options?

I believe that CCCP has more support if you need help. They even have a wiki page. The acceptable players are listed here: http://www.cccp-project.net/wiki/index.php...ed_with_CCCP.29

I have already tested K-Lite with WMP and it works. Apparently, CCCP also works with WMP.

 

[Salamantis]

Apparently, CCCP also works with WMP.

It does, that's how I play some of the videos I download to check if they work.

 

[FAST6191]

When installing you get a settings application pop up.

Depending on what you install you will get 3 options:

Assuming you already have WMP set up you can avoid changing it.

I will say again though that WMP will fall over (or hog the system resources nicely) unless you make all the videos yourself to conform with the narrow range WMP can take (last few versions have been doing OK with AVI, not enough for me to consider sticking with it but OK).