Windows XP DVD Decoder

[Number45]

A simple request really. I've just rebuilt my parents ageing PC to try and get a few months of usability out of it before they're forced to upgrade - I have everything on there that I need, with the exception of an application that can play standard DVDs.

Does anybody have any recommendations? Literally just needs the ability to play R2 DVDs, no extra bells and whistles, so the lighter the better.

Ta.

[cutmymilk]

Just use VLC for everything.

[abigsmurf]

I like zoom player but I believe the only version that plays DVDs is the pay version

[sj33]

Media Player Classic HomeCinema is free, open source, and contains all the codecs you'll ever need - including the ones for DVDs.

http://xvidvideo.ru/media-player-classic-home-cinema-x86-x64/

[FelixofMars]

I just install a generic DVD player disc I have around from all those freebies you get inside graphics cards and such then uninstall the software but keep the codecs.

[sj33]

^If you just want the codecs, you can just install ffdshow Tryouts.

[abigsmurf]

Don't install a codec pack if you've already got a bunch of codecs installed. Only specifically install those you need.

Codec conflicts are a pain in the arse.

[charlesr]

agree. Don't install codecs unless you have to and then only install the ones you need. Most apps come with the necessary garbage built in.

Another vote for MPC HC edition. Plays everything.

On this note, you know in XP when you go into a music folder and XP provides a "play all" context button on the left.... It fires up wmp. Is there any way of getting it to do this with mpc hc instead? otherwise you have to open mpc and dump the folder into it or use open/directory.

[charlesr]

VLC looks a bit friendlier though - not tried it.

[smouty]

If you don't want to install any bloat VLC is the way to go. Has all its own codecs built in and play DVD files from the disk or as menu based DVDs.
Video quality is nowhere near dedicated players but is fine.
Top for quality is either PowerDVD for single program or Ffdshow if you want to tweak the hell out of it with HQ scaling and frame doubling etc.

XBMC is worth a mention as there is PC version available if you are used to the interface on Xbox1.

[Number45]

I just want to be able to put the DVD in and have it popup and play. Mostly going to be my parents and my daughters, so as few steps to get there as is humanly possible!

[charlesr]

erm hang on. Isn't wmp on there as standard? Shouldn't that already be able to play dvds when you insert them?

[Number45]

Nope, moans that there's no codec and if you go to their website it points you towards paid codec packs.

[huxley]

WMP on xp needs a codec.
Quick and easy - any old bundle dvd software you may have knocking about (power dvd etc).
quickish and free - FFDShow

[kryss]

Use Media Player Classic if you have the CCCP installed. If you don't, do it!