[Freddy]

Sorry not AI, just looking for some advice.  I need a decent DVD player for XP, just wondering if anyone can recommend one.  I tried using Windows Media Player and it says I haven't got a decoder...not really wanting to pay for one, I thought I would ask you all for thoughts.  Thanks 

[Art]

I think Windows was perhaps referring to a CODEC which might be needed for a particular file type like AVI, etc. As I recall, I needed to download one or two different ones but for the rest, Windows Media Player (I think 10 is current), it plays the bulk of videos just fine.

You might also check with the manufacturer of your computer as a lot of them will have their own version of a Media Player like my HP has its own. You can play vids for a specific type of program like Quicktime, RealPlayer, and others.

Goodle for FREEWARE DVD PLAYER and you should get plenty of good results (caps not necessary).

[Maviarab]

if it is just codecs you need Dude just download and install the free version of DivX...the best codec package out there.

As for 'playing' DVD's, then use media player or a better alt would be the VLC media player.

Of course, if your wanting to burn stuff to DVD, then a player would be needed

[Freddy]

Ask and you shall recieve

It was actual DVD's that I want to play, no need to burn anything, so not codecs...

The manufacturer of my PC is me !  I just built it - dual core Intel 45nm with oodles of dual channel memory, worked first power up too   Now I'm showing off.

I will check out the suggestions.  Many thanks.

[Freddy]

VLC Media Player works fine, played my DVD with no problems    Thanks.

[Maviarab]

No probs dude, I find VLC to be miles better than media player...I use it for everything here lol

[Dante]

They wrote all the codecs themselves, you know, so theres no legal hot-water to get into.

[Maviarab]

What has that got to do with the question in hand?

[Dante]

I'm just saying, other media players are in a legal grey area, VLC isnt.