Can anyone recommend reliable DVD playback software

usignuolo

I have a Dell Dimension PC which came supplied with Dell Cineplayer for watching DVDs. Recently Cineplayer stopped working and as far as I can tell this is because of a bug which makes it incompatible with later releases of Windows (Cineplayer is OEM'd by Roxio/Sonic Software for Dell).

Trying to run a DVD I get an error saying there is a missing feature and I should load the CD provided with the software. Only of course Dell pre-installed it and never supplied a CD for Cineplayer. It is not available to download on the Dell site and I have contacted Dell for a replacement CD and been sent a meaningless reply about not fixing hardware faults in "old" out of warranty machines (mine is 2 years old) unless I pay them.

I have tried using Real Player which I also have but this plays the sound only and for about half a minute only. I then downloaded some free software Videolan which ran it for about two minutes and crashed. I looked at their tech support site but found it incomprehensible as it assumed a working knowledge of Linux. Quick Time does not even see the DVD.

Can anyone recommend a reliable DVD player which is not flaky and does not cost the earth. (I am running XP Pro service Pack 2 plus upgrades).

busenbust

Yes indeed, give http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ another try; most often plays anything and everything you throw at it

bugeyed

Download and install codecs to avoid most playback problems.

Download K-Lite codec pack from this site http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_lite_codec_pack.htm


http://www.free-codecs.com/download_soft.php?d=5606&s=775 for the download

bugeyed

Codecs are basically the files required to translate the digital movie and soundtracks to the language your media player understands.
Installing the k-lite codec pack usually enables most people to playback a movie that previously gave them problems

Darksun

I used to use Media Player Classic, which is included in the K-Lite Codec Pack, but VLC is also excellent.

Chomeur

I use VLC Media Player, but quite often find that it just freezes and shuts down half way through playing a DVD. I also downloaded the codecs from your link, Bugeyed and tried playing the DVD through Windows Media Player but got the message "Windows Media Player cannot play DVD video. You might need to adjust your Windows display settings. Open display settings in Control Panel, and then try lowering your screen resolution and color quality settings."

This is all a bit ridiculous really. I think that if you buy a computer with a DVD player installed it's implicit that it will have everything necessary to actually play DVDs.

KillerWatt

Chomeur wrote: »

I think that if you buy a computer with a DVD player installed it's implicit that it will have everything necessary to actually play DVDs.

They do, but the manufacturer can't be held responsible when the end user installs god knows what crap that conflicts with the standard, proven, working build (aka, the restore disc).

arietta

I've previously had problems with my DVD player (not playing dvds, freezing half way through, drive not detecting etc) and after trying numerous dvd players i've found that for the only one that works consistently for me is Media Player Classic.

Coopdivi

You could try GOM Player.

http://download.cnet.com/GOM-Player/3000-2139_4-10636825.html

It does have a couple of drawbacks though.

1. Unlike VLC player it doesn't have all the Codecs required to play all files although it will find download sites for these.


2. Everytime you use it, it will attempt to contact the main GOM website. Some people consider this an invasion of privacy. I got round this problem by having my firewall permanently block it.

Otherwise, as other people on this thread have suggested, try Media Player Classic.

aliEnRIK

Chomeur wrote: »

I use VLC Media Player, but quite often find that it just freezes and shuts down half way through playing a DVD. I also downloaded the codecs from your link, Bugeyed and tried playing the DVD through Windows Media Player but got the message "Windows Media Player cannot play DVD video. You might need to adjust your Windows display settings. Open display settings in Control Panel, and then try lowering your screen resolution and color quality settings."

This is all a bit ridiculous really. I think that if you buy a computer with a DVD player installed it's implicit that it will have everything necessary to actually play DVDs.

The klite codec pack is designed to be used with WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER CLASSIC which comes with the codec package

googler

I got Cyberlink PowerDVD bundled with my XP PC a few years back.

Touch wood, I've never had it freeze on me, or display any problems similar to that.

Try a google and see if it can be got anywhere these days.....