[Jan LaFata]

I'm a little confused about this whole codec and decoder issue. I just want to be able to watch DVD's on my Windows Media Player 11. But I have Vista Basic x64 and it supposedly does not come with an MPEG-2 decoder.

So I did some Google searching and was to Elecard Software. But I couldn't see an MPEG-2 decoder that works with Vista x64. Unless the one listed, that says it works on XP, also works on Vista. I did find a free Cyberlink MPEG-2 decoder from Softpedia.com: http://www.softpedia...PEG-Codec.shtml

The decoder did work and I was able to play my DVD but I had no sound. After that, I did a little research and found that I might need something called an AC3 Filter, which I understand is needed to play sound on certain DVD's and players. Would you concur with that?

Also I have heard that I should stay away from those all-in-one codec packages, as they can cause more trouble than they're worth. I would rather do that too, if I can, I've seen the breakdown of codecs that get installed, and I just don't think that I need or want them all, gunking things up.

Any other help would be surely appreciated.
Jan LaFata

[Advertisements]

Vista Basic doesn't come with an MPEG-2 decoder that you'd use for playing DVDs, however it's as standard on Home Premium and higher.
If you have access to something like PowerDVD, that includes everything you need.

[Neil Jones]

Vista Basic doesn't come with an MPEG-2 decoder that you'd use for playing DVDs, however it's as standard on Home Premium and higher.
If you have access to something like PowerDVD, that includes everything you need.

[Jan LaFata]

Thanks for replying. What does Power DVD do exactly and does it work on Vista x64?

[Neil Jones]

PowerDVD is commercial DVD playing software that comes pre-installed on a lot of computers. You can typically pick a copy up for next to nothing from any decent retailer.

VLC should work on 64-bit Vista though and its free.
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

[RickR_WINDOWS-TEAM]

Jan, I would like to help out with all the confusion. In case you’re wondering, MPEG-2 is a licensed software that cost money, and is built into the cost of Windows Vista Premium and Ultimate, that is why they cost a bit more, as for Basic, it costs less because certain additional 3rd party licenses are not included. With that said, I could recommend you upgrade to Vista Premium as your easiest option for this issue. As another possible solution I have checked compatibility between many of the top DVD software types out there and most are listed as “Unknown” for 64-bit Vista. However When I checked out the” CyberLink Power DVD” site they have a little Vista Support Section. I would begin here and see what they say, even use the Vista Check tool to see if it will work. http://www.cyberlink...?Source=support . You might have trouble finding the 3rd party software that supports 64-bit Vista at this time and I encourage you investigate the upgrade to Premium. If you need further assistance I would love to help.

Rick
Windows Vista Outreach Team

[Metallica]

RickR,

Can you kindly contact your lead at MicroSoft?
I for one would appreciate it not to see this kinds of posts anymore.
Upgrade to Vista just for a few missing codecs? Come on.