Free alternatives to Windows Media Player?

usignuolo

I want a free alternative to Windows Media Player (it's a long story...) Lots of search results suggest VLC but I cannot find a direct download for this only via download installers which zap your pc with a load of junk. Anyone got any suggestions?

flashg67

I use VLC - link for Windows PCs - http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html

50Twuncle

usignuolo wrote: »

I want a free alternative to Windows Media Player (it's a long story...) Lots of search results suggest VLC but I cannot find a direct download for this only via download installers which zap your pc with a load of junk. Anyone got any suggestions?

http://download.cnet.com/VLC-Media-Player/3000-13632_4-10267151.html


Cnet is the best place for most downloads and comes without additions !!

somersethillbilly

50Twuncle wrote: »

Cnet is the best place for most downloads and comes without additions !!

Really? http://www.geek.com/news/nmap-warns-download-com-bundles-malware-with-its-software-1446963/

& http://botcrawl.com/cnet-downloads-a-cesspool-for-privacy-invading-malware/

agrinnall

+1 for VLC, and I can see no reason to download it from anywhere except the Videolan site.

50Twuncle

somersethillbilly wrote: »

Really? http://www.geek.com/news/nmap-warns-download-com-bundles-malware-with-its-software-1446963/

& http://botcrawl.com/cnet-downloads-a-cesspool-for-privacy-invading-malware/

OOops - I will admit that it has been some time since I used this site...
My mistake !!

henm2

+1 VLC. I've used it on both windows and linux based systems and it is great for playing videos and music. It plays most media formats.

cookie365

If you want a portable version, look here:
http://portableapps.com/

There's a portable version of VLC available.

RumRat

VLC without a doubt....:T

sparkyspark

Try Light Alloy Media Player, it's a cracking piece of software, no codec infiltration into Windows Media Player, unlike VLC which integrates into WMP and leaves remnants all over on uninstall.
Very light on PC resources with very smooth playback on every file I tried, no stuttering, lagging or sound distortion and the playback quality is exceptional.

The standard install defaults will be fine for most users, it's frequently updated and best of all it's FREE.
No adware/bloated stuff or any other toolbars etc on install, give Light Alloy a go you will not be disappointed Homepage http://www.light-alloy.ru/
Download link takes you here Download Light Alloy Installer - 66.05 MB | version: 4.7.7
There's also a portable version Download Light Alloy Portable - 61.95 MB | version: 4.7.7

montymud

Also a user of VLC - It really is good and the volume is higher too