Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message
...


It sounded like you were looking for something free. Glad to see that
you don't treat shareware as freeware.

No, it didn't sound like I wanted something free.

I am in awe of your patience with these people. Simply in awe.

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 07 Oct 2006 00:36:18 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Clams Canino" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
news:VZxVg.2461


What a theory! Is that why it says "Free to try, $29.95 to buy" at
downloads.com? I thought they were kidding.

A lot of shareware either stops working after the 30 day free trial
until
you pony up, or has annoying nag screens that keep reminding you to
register
it.

Get out. You're kidding, right?

I'm not sure if you are kidding or not, but that's the way they work
pretty much.

Tom, I know. I'm being sarcastic because I cannot believe the way this
conversation has gone so far. Various geniuses have decided you want
something for free, just so they can hear themselves explain the shareware
concept. As if....

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

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. :)

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Boaterdude" wrote in message
...

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. :^)

He's right... many DVD movies come with the "Interactual 2.0" player
included. I don't know if it leaves the right codec behind for media
player... but it will play DVD's ok.

-W

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message
...

I mean if you build a "media player", why not make a deal to include a
DVD decoder?

I agree... IMHO anyone that builds a machine with a DVD-ROM drive for retail
sale, *really* outta at least include a plug-in DVD decoder for Windows
Media Player 10 - or they shorted the end user.

I don't blame the Windows Media Player 10 software itself, as it never
claimed to be a DVD player and explains that codecs are needed if you wanna
do DVD's with it. (most users use it for CD / MP3 work).

-W

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

OK
I just built a brand new computer today... A P4 - 3.2 gig machine. Clean
Windows install on a new drive.

I can confirm that a clean install of windows XP followed by a clean install
of Media Player 10 does *not* have access to a DVD decoder. ( I checked on
purpose). Once I installed Cyberlinks "Power DVD" player, then Media Player
picked up on the codec.

-W

(on a clear drive you can see forever)

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Clams Canino" wrote in message
link.net...
OK
I just built a brand new computer today... A P4 - 3.2 gig machine.
Clean
Windows install on a new drive.

I can confirm that a clean install of windows XP followed by a clean
install
of Media Player 10 does *not* have access to a DVD decoder. ( I
checked on
purpose). Once I installed Cyberlinks "Power DVD" player, then Media
Player
picked up on the codec.

-W

(on a clear drive you can see forever)

sorry, the correct version is "on a clear drive you can seek forever"

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message
...

Which only goes to make my point once again.

If you are going to build "media player" software, and computers come
installed with DVD players, then logically, the software that controls
the "media" should include the proper decoder for DVDs.

Thus, it really is Bill Gates' fault. :)

The problem with Media Player 10 is that it's given away *free* on the web,
or Media Player 9 is that it's *free* with Windows XP. Most windows users
don't even use the thing, and those that do upgrade (for free) to 10 and
only use it for CD's and MP-3's. So no, it does not behoove Microsoft to
pony up for a DVD decoder in it's generic OS that 7/10's of the users won't
use anyway.

Microsoft has an XP "Media Center Edition" for those who's primary focus is
multi-media. And it's no more expensive on New Egg than vanilla XP. And it
comes with the codecs and lots more too. However, it does behoove any
builder who assembles a box with a DVD Player in it, to bundle DVD playing
software and/or a codec. Or to use XP Media Center Edition when pre-loading
the software. Just like I did when I built yesterdays box.

(in a related note.... while the DVD stuff worked fine, the f_*!ing TIVO
card was DOA and needs to be returned for another. sigh - and I build my
own computers "for RnR" - LOL)

What's interesting is the Media Player 11 is in Beta test and Windows Vista
is coming soon (Christmas?). It'll be curious to see if they don't include
the codec *this* time around. Computers have gotten more DVD friendly since
XP and Media Player 10 appeared a few years ago. I'm kind of wary of
Vista... it's supposed to be more media friendly, but also friendlier to the
Media Copyright holders, which will no doubt make it harder to rip and
convert your CD's to MP3-s and move them around or to make custom CD's.

As it is now... in order to copy ("rip") a DVD to your hard disk for later
viewing, you need to subscribe to a 3rd party software called AnyDVD that
sends you a "new mouse" every time the DVD makers build a better mousetrap.
My home theater is driven only by a PC, and I ran into this a lot untill I
ponied up the (one time fee) of $39 for AnyDVD. I suspect Vista will cause
AnyDVD's sales to bloom even more.

-W