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More => Old Versions => Media Center 11 (Development Ended) => Topic started by: TimB on April 20, 2004, 09:30:23 pm

Title: OT: DVD Player
Post by: TimB on April 20, 2004, 09:30:23 pm
As my signature says I LOVE MC.

However I need to get someone a very simple and hopefully freeware or shareware DVD player.  She doesn't need the coolness or complexity of MC, just something that when she puts a DVD into her computer, it plays it.

Any suggestions.

-=Tim=-
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: JimH on April 20, 2004, 09:38:29 pm
zoomplayer
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: DocLotus on April 21, 2004, 06:26:09 am
Yes, Zoom player is very neat, I use it on all my DVD's.

But, it is pretty complex as it is a real powerhouse.

I have seen some very simple CD players that become part of the Toolbar.  Possibly there is now a DVD version of a Toolbar player.

Suggest you do a search on C-Net Download site...
http://www.download.com/
or ZD Download site...
http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/2001-20-0.html?legacy=cnet

I did a very fast search for simple DVD player & several came up.

Cheers ;D
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: zevele10 on April 21, 2004, 07:08:35 am
PowerDVD

You can set it to

Start when Windows starts

and

Play Automaticaly upon inserting disc.
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: Alex B on April 21, 2004, 07:12:43 am
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/windowsmediaplayer/mpxp/watchdvd.asp (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/windowsmediaplayer/mpxp/watchdvd.asp)
Quote
You can use Windows Media Player to watch DVDs on your computer.

Like a conventional DVD player, it enables you to skip to specific titles and chapters, play sequences in slow motion, access special features, and switch audio and caption languages.

In addition, you can download information about each DVD from the Internet and view cover art.

Anybody heard about this player?  ;)


Edit: I just read that an external decoder is still needed with WMP, e.g. Cyberlink or Intervideo, so it might be better to just use PowerDVD or WinDVD. Usually there is a playback software included with the DVD-ROM drive or PC manufacturer's software pack.
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: TimB on April 21, 2004, 09:59:02 am
Sorry Jim and Doc, couldn't get Zoomplayer to play my DVD's and if it needs the Pro version I'm a little nervous as I need to try before I buy.

WinDVD seems cool but a little expensive tho' I may go that route anyway..

THis is a new laptop that's sharing a DVD drive with an older one so no bundled software.

I'll check out PowerDVD.

Thanks y'all! :)

-=Tim=-
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: JimH on April 21, 2004, 10:17:46 am
You may need the codecs.   I don't think Zoomplayer comes with them, but you may have them with the software that came with your DVD drive.  They're also available for purchase for around $15, I think.
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: zevele10 on April 21, 2004, 02:01:10 pm
PoerDVd plays more type of files than WinDVd
VCd is an exemple.
Keep it in mind if you need to buy one programme.
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: GRAYDOG on April 21, 2004, 04:50:17 pm
TimB try looking at this site http://www.nonags.com/nonags/grvid.html they have alot of free video stuf
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: Charlemagne 8 on April 21, 2004, 09:04:17 pm
The last time I checked, PowerDVD was about $50 US.  It WILL play many files and types that others won't.
WinAmp with the MAD plug-in will work on some. I haven't really tried it out other than to see if it worked. It did on one AVI. Media Center does everything that I need done except play a DVD from the DVD ROM. I've got better things to do than watch movies if I'm in front of the computer.
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CVIII
Title: Re:OT: DVD Player
Post by: TimB on April 22, 2004, 05:27:09 am
Hope to get a chance to check out PowerDVD today.

Sending  the missus off this am on a business trip with her laptop and a trial version of WinDVD.  Novice-wise I found WinDVD MUCH easier to use (and teach) than WMP.

I've got better things to do than watch movies if I'm in front of the computer.
Like reply to this forum.

LOLOL!

-=Tim=-