StarDestroyer.Net BBS

So I had to reformat my computer and all, and I've been trying to get some things that came with the computer, like the ability to play .VOB files. I assume that means I need a DVD decoder, or a DVD player. Know any good, free ones? I ran into this one (http://www.cliprex.com/) and it seems decent, but then again, I don't know jack about what I'm doing. Any help, boys and girls?

Do not install Cliprex unless you want to be swamped by spyware! It's completely loaded down with it, and neglects to tell you until it's almost fully installed.

As for alternatives, none exist that are free and fully functional. The DVDCCA demands royalty fees for each copy of a DVD decoder sold, so any free implementation is strictly illegal. There used to be attempts at reverse-engineering a DVD decoder for use in Linux (such as LiVid and libdvdcss), but the associated websites are all long defunct. I hear that VideoLAN Client handles some DVD playback and works under Windows, but doesn't do subtitles, so you might try that if subs aren't essential. Best option at the present time, though, would be to find the installation disc for the preloaded DVD player software you had mentioned and use that.

Datana wrote:There used to be attempts at reverse-engineering a DVD decoder for use in Linux (such as LiVid and libdvdcss), but the associated websites are all long defunct.

Actually you can still get libdvdcss from various sources, one of them being the Penguin Liberation Front (which supports Mandrake Linux, for example).

Problem is, the preloaded stuff didn't come on a disc, it came with the computer. So how am I supposed to play a DVD in my DVD player without something to decode it? Or even just .VOB files in general? Should I just go back to Future Shop and ask for them to give me a disc or something?

libdvdcss is only illegal in the USA I believe. Go to another country and they can host it to their heart's content.

Also Crayz, your link doesn't work.

Let's say for the purposes of this topic I live in Kerplakistan. And stuff isn't illegal and what not. What would my options be? (Just PM me...)

I know that both Xine and MPlayer play DVDs just fine in Linux, although I'm not sure what your options would be in Windows.

Alright, if I were to go and buy one, would you say that getting InterVideo WinDVD is a good choice? It was the one that came with my computer, although I think it was only a "Lite" version, and it always wanted me to upgrade. But I'm thinking, if the DVD drive came with my computer, and I'm assuming that the DVD decoder came with the drive, technically I paid the price of the decoder when I bought the system, wouldn't you think?

Phantasee wrote:But I'm thinking, if the DVD drive came with my computer, and I'm assuming that the DVD decoder came with the drive, technically I paid the price of the decoder when I bought the system, wouldn't you think?

Not necessarily. The DVD-ROM drive contains no decoding components apart from the RPC region check (mandated as part of the DVD-ROM spec), so the decoder would have to be handled either as a separate card or in software. Either way, it's not considered a part of the drive. If it was included as part of the system as a bundle, you should have the installer either on a disc or in a separate partition on the hard drive (as I've seen a lot of cheaper manufacturers doing lately). Nag the company that made your system if you received neither.

As for software to purchase for the purpose, Intervideo WinDVD (which you mentioned) and Cyberlink PowerDVD are both good choices. I've used both without any problems, but have found WinDVD to give a sharper image (though, to be fair, PowerDVD shows fewer artifacts and has more reliable deinterlacing). The Lite versions are annoying nagware, but were functional and downloadable off of the respective websites of each company up until recently; both have switched to time-limited demos. You might be able to find one of the Lite versions if you look hard enough, but with that effort, you'd likely run across a warezed version of the full programs first (not that I'd recommend doing that, of course). Try out VideoLAN or MPlayer first, though, and see if one of those fulfills your needs already.

Windows Media player does play DVDs, but it does a really poor job of it. (I've found it to be rather crash happy with certain DVDs.) You may want to give Media Player Classic a shot.

Vertigo1 wrote:Windows Media player does play DVDs, but it does a really poor job of it. (I've found it to be rather crash happy with certain DVDs.) You may want to give Media Player Classic a shot.

Both WMP and MPC require a pre-installed DVD decoder codec for DVD playback, something that only comes with a full copy of WinDVD or PowerDVD. Again, you'd have to get the appropriate software.

Datana wrote:

Vertigo1 wrote:Windows Media player does play DVDs, but it does a really poor job of it. (I've found it to be rather crash happy with certain DVDs.) You may want to give Media Player Classic a shot.

Both WMP and MPC require a pre-installed DVD decoder codec for DVD playback, something that only comes with a full copy of WinDVD or PowerDVD. Again, you'd have to get the appropriate software.

Umm...take a look at the MPC page. Theres a link for a free decoder plugin.

Vertigo1 wrote:

Datana wrote:Both WMP and MPC require a pre-installed DVD decoder codec for DVD playback, something that only comes with a full copy of WinDVD or PowerDVD. Again, you'd have to get the appropriate software.

Umm...take a look at the MPC page. Theres a link for a free decoder plugin.

Looks like I was wrong, then -- I just tried it out myself. I was sure I had read that MPC used an external plugin, though, which is why I had lumped it in with WMP. On a second look at what I had read, that was for Zoom Player rather than MPC.

Well, thanks for you help everyone, Media Player Classic is working out great. Really appreciate it folks.