Codec pack recommendations?

Any recommendations regarding codec packs?

I was thinking of choosing between:

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack:

http://codecguide.com/download_mega.htm

Combined CommunityCodec Pack - CCCP:

http://www.cccp-project.net/

Cole 2k Media Pack:

http://www.cole2k.net/?display=Codec-Pack-Advanced

I have to decide what's best for decoding and encoding. I've used CCCP in the past and they have excellent support. I think it's more for game users, and I'm not much of a video game player. K-Lite loads too much, but I think their installer now allows for a customized install.

I don't know much about the Cole 2k pack so perhaps someone hear can offer an opinion.

Is codecguide.com the author of the K-lite pack? I know it's also offered on free-codecs.com which is a widely used site.

K-Lite loads too much, but I think their installer now allows for a customized install.

It indeed loads a hell of allot, however you're correct you can choose only the necessary things you want such as minimal which is for playback only, etc. In any event you should tracks it's installation with something like ZSoft Uninstaller or Total Uninstall (Last Freeware Version), then load every link it places in the Start Menu->All Programs to make sure everything is logged - because without doing so there will be remnants left behind after uninstall.

Yeah, all codec packs install stuff all over your machine.

I really like Media Player Classic, but you could use VLC to avoid having stuff everywhere. (VLC is awesome, it plays pretty much everything)

I would recommend u to use VLC if you are just viewing encoded video clips. If not, perhaps u might want to manually install all the codecs u need. Not a fan of using codec packs.

Not a fan of using codec packs.

Neither am I, however downloading something that's like 500mb and then it won't play is like hitting a brick wall. Hence the reason even for casual downloading of say a music video something is needed for playback since Windows Media Player by default is rather useless on many formats which is a shame.

Windows Media Player by default is rather useless on many formats which is a shame.

I go along with that, I really like the look and features of Media Player 11. If only it could play Quick time stuff.

:)

Edit 15/03/07. 00.08: Installed QuickTime Alternative. Windows Media Player will now play my .mov videos.

If you install klite mega pack wmp will be able to play most of the codecs it installs.

I however think MPC is a better video player than WMP, but right now I use WMP for my music. Everything else just gets on my nerves lately.

I`ve never been a fan of windows media player until I installed Version 11. I think it looks stunning in that black finish, and I really like the way you can organise the library to show CD cover artwork.

But back to the codecs. I assume that pack you mention is OK, as you are using it.

I`ve shied off codec packs because of various adverse comments I`ve read about them, but this one I take it comes without any problems?

I`m trying to think what I could play that I can`t play now.

Got divX v6 encoder, which plays divX movies in WMP 11 or Veoh. Got QuickTime stuff now with Media Player Classic. Got an FLV player for flash vids etc. I think I`m pretty well covered.

Unless you gonna tell me different, and I`ve a feeling that thats a distinct possibility.

:)

Here is the one I use:

http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/KLite...ck/1080441198/1

Mostly, it just depends on what you use.

I watch lots of videos that are usually in theora, h.264, and lots of lesser known codecs, so what you have wouldn't play all of my files.

I'm not going to say you need all of those codecs, but its nice to just install one package and never have to worry about it again. :D

Codec packs can be messy, but that one has never caused any adverse side effects on my machines.

OK squire, thanks for that, and the link.

:)