5. What filters do I need and where do I get them?The answer depends on what media format you want to play. In general you will need decoder filters and, in many cases, you will also need splitter filters. You can obtain commercial filters from various vendors. You can also get free, open source, filters. In this guide we will tell you about some free filters.
Before getting to individual media formats, it is a good idea introducing/recommending the following multi-filter pack and multi-format decoders:
CCCP - Combined Community Codec PackThis is a great multiple-filter pack that provides filters for playback of most media formats, including DVD. CCCP includes FFDShow (see below), which can be used to decode a large number of media formats, MPV video decoder which decodes DVD and other MPEG-2 video, and Haali Media Splitter that can be used for playback of many media types.
Make sure you read instructions before installing CCCP. As a general rule, you should uninstall any previously installed codec packs, as different codec packs often conflict with each other. You should also uninstall previously installed individual filters that CCCP includes, such as FFDShow, Haali Media Splitter. This way you will be sure CCCP install and configure the filters properly.
Additionally, when installing CCCP, make sure you
uncheck the option to install FLV Splitter. The version of FLV splitter included with CCCP does not work well. See "FLV" below.
FFDShowFFDShow is a Multi-Format Decoder filter with major Post Processing capabilities.
It can be used to decode many video and audio formats. CCCP includes FFDShow. If you choose not to install CCCP, you should consider installing FFDShow.
It can be difficult for users to find a good version as there are too many different versions/builds out there.
A fairly stable but older version can be found
here (ffdshow-20051129.exe)People have had good experience with Celtic Druid's builds. You can find new builds
here.
Even newer versions can be found at
FFDShow tryouts.
Very good FFDshow primer on AVS:
AVS FFDshow Config PrimerDVDFor DVD playback, you need DVD capable MPEG-2 video decoder and MPEG-2 / AC3 audio decoder. These filters may or may not already exist on your computer. Some computers come with filters for DVD; some do not. Filters may also come with installation of some third-party software. If you do not already have the needed filters, you may need to install them. Commercial decoders are available from various vendors. Free decoders are available and described below.
CCCP can be used for DVD playback (see above).
Alternatively you can try these filters:
Video decoders:DScaler 5. This is still in alpha. Therefore expect to have some problems with it. I have had only one problem though. It is related to DVD menus. I experience menu problem only with one of several DVD movies I played.
Gabest Universal Open Source MPEG Video DecoderOlder versions of FFDShow video decoder do not work well with DVD (even though it has user interface to turn on DVD decoding capability). Newer versions maybe able to decode DVD.
Audio decoders:FFDShow Audio decoder works well with DVD.
DScaler 5 (DScaler 5 includes both an audio decoder and a video decoder).
AC3Filter.
mp4 / m4a / m4v In order to play these types of files in DirectShow engine, you will need not only decoder filters but also splitter filters.
Splitter:You can use
Haali Splitter, or
MP4 splitter.
Decoder:FFDShow (see above) is a good choice.
3ivx has a filter pack that includes all filters (splitter and decoders) needed for mp4 type. It is however not free.
FLVFLV, flash video, is a format widely used for streaming. For example Google video and YouTube use this format. This format should play correctly in Media Center without user actions. However, if you do have problem playing them, you need to make sure the following filters are properly installed and configured.
FFDShow (see above).
You need to configure it so it will decode FLV video. Media Center should configure it for you automatically, but here is how you can do it manually:
Start -> All Programs -> FFDShow (or Combined Community Codec Pack) -> FFDShow Video Decoder Configuration.
Choose "Codecs" from the top of the left panel. On the right panel, find FLV1 in the first column ("Format"), and change the value in the second column ("Decoder") from "disabled" to "libavcodec". Click OK.
FLV Splitter Download and unzip it. Register it.
Note: The latest CCCP also includes a version of FLVsplitter that
does not work with Google/YouTube videos. You should use the version linked here (built by Celtic Druid), which, in addition to being able to play FLV1 videos from Google/YouTube when used with FFDShow, also includes an FLV Video Decoder filter which decodes FLV4 format (FFDShow decodes FLV1).
To be completed ...