Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message
...
for Windows Media Player?

It would appear that the DVD player in the computer is useless because
it doesn't have a DVD decoder.

Figures.

Any help?

I am sure you've checked, but just in case.....

Do you have other software in the computer that plays a DVD? Usually a
computer comes bundled with some kind of software for playing a DVD if the
computer has a DVD capable drive.
I think you can then change the association to have it play in Media Player
if you prefer.

I also may not know what I am talking about, except that's how mine works.

Eisboch

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 5 Oct 2006 21:10:28 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"Tom Francis" wrote in message
. ..
for Windows Media Player?

It would appear that the DVD player in the computer is useless because
it doesn't have a DVD decoder.

Figures.

Any help?

I am sure you've checked, but just in case.....

Do you have other software in the computer that plays a DVD? Usually a
computer comes bundled with some kind of software for playing a DVD if the
computer has a DVD capable drive.
I think you can then change the association to have it play in Media
Player
if you prefer.

I also may not know what I am talking about, except that's how mine works.

I've never used the DVD player, but I just received a DVD from
Evinrude and wanted to play it - won't play - tells me I need to
purchase a MPEG-2 upgrade or something.

Bill Gates sucks.

I'll look for it - thanks.

If it works anything like mine, after you insert the DVD in the drawer and
close it, wait for a bit.
The drive will spin and whir, then a DVD player program starts
automatically. Mine is called
"InterVideo WinDVD" or something like that.

Eisboch

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 01:21:25 +0000, Tom Francis wrote:


I've never used the DVD player, but I just received a DVD from
Evinrude and wanted to play it - won't play - tells me I need to
purchase a MPEG-2 upgrade or something.

Try he

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...r/plugins.aspx


More info:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306331/EN-US/


Bill Gates sucks.

Now, you are getting your thinking right. ;-)

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"thunder" wrote in message
...

Try he

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...r/plugins.aspx


Of the 4 listed there, I've used all but the Sonic. I reccomend the
Cybelink plug-in. And it's cheap too.

-W

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"thunder" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 01:21:25 +0000, Tom Francis wrote:


I've never used the DVD player, but I just received a DVD from
Evinrude and wanted to play it - won't play - tells me I need to
purchase a MPEG-2 upgrade or something.

Try he

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...r/plugins.aspx


More info:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306331/EN-US/


Bill Gates sucks.

Now, you are getting your thinking right. ;-)


It's all a crap shoot, apparently. I had the same problem as Tom with my
Sony laptop. When I first got it, it played DVDs via some software it came
with (part of Windows ME). 6 months later, I reformatted & installed XP Pro.
WMP would not play DVDs at that point. It didn't matter much, so after a few
weeks of looking for solutions, I moved on to other issues.

Two months ago, I did a reformat/reinstall of XP Pro on my desktop machine.
WMP plays DVDs. I did nothing special to make it happen.

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 11:44:26 +0000, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:


Two months ago, I did a reformat/reinstall of XP Pro on my desktop machine.
WMP plays DVDs. I did nothing special to make it happen.

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.

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"thunder" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 11:44:26 +0000, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:


Two months ago, I did a reformat/reinstall of XP Pro on my desktop
machine.
WMP plays DVDs. I did nothing special to make it happen.

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.

Maybe. But it's odd that on two machines, I used the same install disks
(yes, multiple licenses), same checklist, did all the MS updates, and the
result is that one plays DVDs while the other does not.

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 12:32:17 +0000, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:


Maybe. But it's odd that on two machines, I used the same install disks
(yes, multiple licenses), same checklist, did all the MS updates, and the
result is that one plays DVDs while the other does not.

As you might know, I'm not really up on Windows, but it could be part of
MS's being your big brother. Their digital rights management is, IMO, damn
intrusive. If I'm not mistaken, those MS updates check the licenses,
hardware, region codes, etc. etc. You may have somehow confused MS.

OT: Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message news:l1sVg.2425
Maybe. But it's odd that on two machines, I used the same install disks
(yes, multiple licenses), same checklist, did all the MS updates, and the
result is that one plays DVDs while the other does not.

STFW.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...91AC-0AB6-4990
-943D-627E6ADE9FCB&displaylang=en

Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility

The Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility helps you determine if an
MPEG-2 video decoder (also called a DVD decoder) is installed on your
Windows XP computer and whether or not the decoder is compatible with
Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP Media Center Edition.

Overview

The Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility helps you determine if an
MPEG-2 video decoder (also called a DVD decoder) is installed on your
Windows XP computer and whether or not the decoder is compatible with
Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP Media Center Edition.

An MPEG-2 decoder is software that allows you to play DVDs and files that
contain video content that was encoded in the MPEG-2 format (such as DVR-MS
files, MPG files, and some AVI files).

If you encounter a problem while using Windows Media Player 10 to
synchronize (copy) recorded TV shows to a Portable Media Center or other
device, use this utility to verify that you have a compatible MPEG-2 decoder
installed on your computer.

Note: This utility only indicates whether an MPEG-2 decoder is compatible
with the synchronization feature of Windows Media Player 10 or whether an
MPEG-2 decoder is compatible with the recorded TV playback feature of
Windows XP Media Center Edition.

This utility:
• Lists all the MPEG-2 video decoders that appear in your Windows registry
(a database that contains information about the hardware and software
installed in your computer).
• Indicates whether each decoder listed in the registry is marked as
compatible with Windows XP Media Center Edition and whether any decoder
listed in the registry is marked as the preferred video decoder.
• Indicates whether each decoder listed in the registry is marked as
compatible with the synchronization feature of Windows Media Player 10.
• Lets you designate which installed decoder that you want Windows Media
Player 10 to use when synchronizing DVR-MS files to a portable device. This
is known as the preferred video decoder.
• Lets you undo any changes the utility makes to your Windows registry.

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Bill Kearney" wrote in message
t...

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
news:l1sVg.2425
Maybe. But it's odd that on two machines, I used the same install disks
(yes, multiple licenses), same checklist, did all the MS updates, and the
result is that one plays DVDs while the other does not.

STFW.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...91AC-0AB6-4990
-943D-627E6ADE9FCB&displaylang=en

Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility

Cool. Thanks.

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

Tom Francis wrote:
On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 12:28:07 -0000, "thunder"
wrote:


On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 11:44:26 +0000, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:



Two months ago, I did a reformat/reinstall of XP Pro on my desktop machine.
WMP plays DVDs. I did nothing special to make it happen.

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.

I think you are supposed to pay for shareware also.... You just get to
try before buy and buy is on honor system.

--
Del Cecchi
"This post is my own and doesn’t necessarily represent IBM’s positions,
strategies or opinions.”

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

Tom Francis wrote:
On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 12:52:19 GMT, Alotta Fagina
wrote:


You wrote:


I don't want to pay for something that should be in the computer in
the first place.

Do you work for free, moron?

Microsoft has something called "Windows Media Center Edition". It costs
MORE than standard Windows because MS has to pay LICENSES to the people who
WROTE the **** that you want for FREE.

Where do you work? I want to come in and get some free samples. On second
thought, they're probably defective, like your thinking.


What part of the term shareware didn't you understand. Was it the
part of try it and buy it or the fact that it's cheaper than
professional versions?

Just curious you understand because apparently morons seem to have
difficulty with the concept.

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

--
Del Cecchi
"This post is my own and doesn’t necessarily represent IBM’s positions,
strategies or opinions.”

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Del Cecchi" wrote in message
...
Tom Francis wrote:
On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 12:28:07 -0000, "thunder"
wrote:


On Fri, 06 Oct 2006 11:44:26 +0000, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:



Two months ago, I did a reformat/reinstall of XP Pro on my desktop
machine. WMP plays DVDs. I did nothing special to make it happen.

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.

I think you are supposed to pay for shareware also.... You just get to
try before buy and buy is on honor system.

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

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"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'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.

-W

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"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.

-W

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message

Microsoft has something called "Windows Media Center Edition". It costs
MORE than standard Windows because MS has to pay LICENSES to the people
who
WROTE the **** that you want for FREE.

Where do you work? I want to come in and get some free samples. On
second
thought, they're probably defective, like your thinking.

What part of the term shareware didn't you understand. Was it the
part of try it and buy it or the fact that it's cheaper than
professional versions?

Just curious you understand because apparently morons seem to have
difficulty with the concept.

Ummm not so fast. You also *said* that Bill should have included it for
free.

Ever consider how many "freebies" already come bundled with Windows just
because it's in Microsoft's best interst to bundle all the freebies? All an
OS *owes* you is an OS to run and possibly maintain your hardware. Most of
the stuff under your "start menu" other than "system tools" and
"admisistrative tools" is freebies already. And back in the DOS days you
even had to pay a third party (like Norton) extra fome some of those system
utilities.

-W

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message

Ummm not so fast. You also *said* that Bill should have included it for
free.

Well, let's put it this way. There is a DVD player in the machine.
The DVD player is recognized by XP, but will not allow anything to be
played on it.

Why put one on the machine in the first place if it can't be used?

It's like purchasing a car, but having to pay extra for a
transmission.

Doesn't make any sense.

Now you're getting back on the right track. I agree with you that if an OEM
builder (any OEM builder from Dell to Joe's Computer Shack) includes a DVD
player in the machine, that he outta spring for the CODEC to play the MPEG-2
files. But that's not Bill's fault unless Microsoft actually *built* the
computer. Same with a DVD burner... you need the Nero suite or something
silmilar to make it actually burn a DVD. I've seen that missing in OEM
systems too, from big name companies.

-W

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message

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

Love it - just love it. :)


NOW you're absolutely right.. see my other post. (It's the builders fault,
not Bill's.)

-W

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

Clams Canino wrote:
"Tom Francis" wrote in message
So basiclly, I was sold a device that I can't use.

Love it - just love it. :)


NOW you're absolutely right.. see my other post. (It's the builders fault,
not Bill's.)

-W



I would look on the Computer builder or the DVD mfg'ers web site for a
free player. Most of them have a stripped down DVD player available and
then they sell you the premium player for a very reasonable price.

Anybody know of a shareware DVD decoder...
 

"Clams Canino" wrote in message
ink.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.

-W


Get out. You're kidding, right?

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