Windows Media Player DVD Codecs

by Marc Liron - Microsoft MVP (Windows)

When it comes to understanding DVD codecs for Windows Media Player we first need to know what a CODEC is and that the DVD codec's are NOT installed by default in Windows Media Player. (Read here for a simple plug-in that will allow you to play your DVDs in WMP). 

CODECs Quick Definition:

A CODEC is a specially written mathematical algorithm used to compress large data signals (video & audio) into small spaces with minimal perceived loss of information.

Windows Media Player

Windows has had a media player since the year 1991, when Windows 3.0 with Multi Media Extensions was released.

The current version, Windows Media Player 11, was released on October 30, 2006. Its successor, Windows Media Player 12, is under development; an initial test version was demonstrated in October 2008 as part of Windows 7.

The default file formats are Windows Media Video (WMV), Windows Media Audio (WMA), and Advanced Systems Format (ASF). However there is no native DVD support in the free software.

DVD Codec:

MPEG-2

# MPEG-2 is widely used as the format of digital television signals that are broadcast by terrestrial (over-the-air), cable, and direct broadcast satellite TV systems. It also specifies the format of movies and other programs that are distributed on DVD.

BlueRay Discs:

Increasingly Blue Ray is becoming a popular format for playing movies on your desktop or laptop. There is NO SUPPORT for playing these discs in Windows Media Player - you will need a DVD Decoder from software vendors such as CyberLink or COREL to play them.

Here is a brief description of the codec's used on Blueray discs... 

H.264 (Sometimes known as MPEG-4 Part 10)

# H.264 is the next-generation video compression technology (in the MPEG-4 standard), also known as MPEG-4 Part 10. H.264 can match the best possible MPEG-2 (found on today’s DVD’s) quality at up to half the data rate

# High Definition MPEG-2 content at 1920x1080 traditionally runs at 12-20 Mbps, while H.264 can deliver 1920x1080 content at 7-8 Mbps at the same or better quality

# H.264 is a mandatory codec for the next generation High Definition DVD formats: HD-DVD and Blu-ray

VC-1

# VC-1 is a video codec that has been implemented by Microsoft in its Windows Media Video 9 (WMV)

# As High Definition content grows online you will see more of VC-1 in 2008

# The VC-1 codec has been formally accepted by the SMPTE as a video standard after years of technical scrutiny by over 75 companies. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is the preeminent society of film and video experts, with members in 85 countries worldwide. The standards that SMPTE produces are widely used by professionals in the fields of video, motion pictures, and digital cinema

# Just like H.264, VC-1 is also a mandatory codec for the next generation High Definition DVD formats: HD-DVD and Blu-ray

# Hardware supporting VC-1 includes next generation DVD players, set-top boxes, portable media devices, wireless phones, and more. Major industry players are selecting VC-1 for its scalability and quality

# VC-1 is the HD codec used in Microsoft’s Silverlight technology. Silverlight is a browser plug-in that allows web applications to provide features that browsers alone do not typically offer. These features include animation, vector graphics, and audio-video playback. It competes with products such as Adobe Flash and Apple QuickTime.

So What are the Options:

Choose Your DVD Player for Windows Media HERE:

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# Windows XP - Operating System

DVD XPack gives you the same technology at a fraction of the price as WinDVD, the world's leading DVD player, used by over 125 million people! FULL integration with Windows Media Center or Windows Media Player 9, 10 or 11. NVIDIA PureVideo technology support for superb picture clarity, and precise, vivid colors on any display!

FLAWLESS DVD playback every time...

Get this DVD plug-in and start enjoying DVDs in WMP with the:

DVD XPack for Windows XP Users   - USA & Canada Website

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# Windows Vista - Operating System

This windows media player plug-in for Windows Vista delivers the kind of outstanding performance you would expect from CyberLink, one of the leaders in DVD playback software. Access all your favorite Windows Media Player features, now with built-in support for DVDs! PowerDVD SE for Windows Vista ensures the best possible quality for watching movies with Windows Media Player.

Get this DVD plug-in and start enjoying your DVDs in WMP with:

PowerDVD SE for Windows Vista (Click HERE!) - All Countries

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Kind Regards

Marc Liron - Microsoft MVP

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