Tom,

If it's a codec you need, get the codec from he
http://www.cole2k.net/ It's been a while since I've needed to install
it (last system rebuild), but I believe this package covers everything,
including mpeg4.

If you need a player, check your commercial DVD movies. Often they
include a player and probably also include the codecs. I wouldn't say
they're great players, buy hey, they work. One of these might also
include the codec you need to Windows media player. Insert DVD on your
computer and see if software attempts to install. :^)

-Jim


Tom Francis wrote:
On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 20:46:14 GMT, "Clams Canino"
wrote:

"Tom Francis" wrote in message

If I'm not mistaken, I think the problem lies with MPEG-2 being
proprietary. Somebody has to pay licensing fees to the patent holders,
via the Moving Pictures Experts Group.
Ah - that explains it then.
So shareware wouldn't be an option.
Oh well - off to purchase the appropriate player thingy doer.
Now you're catching on. Before swearing at Bill, it's good to get all the
facts. Huh?

I can swear at Bill Gates if I want to - it's a free country. :)

Besides, he's a handy scapegoat.

I'm sure Bill would love to include the MPEG-2 decoder with Media Player 10,
but to have to license a skillion copies, especially when only X% of the
Windows users will even use it, would be silly.

I found this on the MS website for Media Player 10.

"Note To play DVDs using the Player, you must have a DVD-ROM drive
and a software or hardware DVD decoder installed on your computer. By
default, Windows does not include a DVD decoder. For more information
about DVD decoders, see the DVD Decoder Plug-ins Web page."

So basiclly, I was sold a device that I can't use.

Love it - just love it. :)