Recommend Free DVD Software Program

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 12 Sep 2005, 21:47

I don't like the Program installed with my newish PC - Power Cinema - it's slow and limited in function. I much preferred WinDVD which I had on my old PC - but for some reason it's incompatible with my new system. Can anyone recommend a free (and spyware/virus free) DVD program that does the job - region-free would be even better?

romerojpg · Post by **romerojpg** » 12 Sep 2005, 21:52

I thought all PC's were suplied with Power DVD nowadays, I thought it was almost standard, I guess I was wrong

but thats the best apprently, but not free,

How about WIN AMP it plays everything possible

and apparently everyone loves it.

Even Windows Media Player is good, I like it

Region Free is a little harder as it can depend on your drive

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 12 Sep 2005, 22:33

I just tried an R2 DVD with Windows Media Player and it was jumpy with worse controls than Power Cinema - though it was faster to load.

IronMonkey · Post by **IronMonkey** » 13 Sep 2005, 08:02

Windows Media Player won't play DVDs without first having another software decoder on your system. I have WinDVD and Windows Media Player uses its codec to play back DVDs flawlessly on my system.

If you're getting choppy playback, it sounds like you've got a problem somewhere. Do you get choppy playback in Power Cinema? If not, I think you possibly have a problem with your Windows Media Player installation, although it would be very hard to pin it down...

gojensen · Post by **gojensen** » 13 Sep 2005, 08:28

Try MediaPlayerClassic available HERE (link to sf.net, scroll down...)

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 13 Sep 2005, 13:01

The playback in Power Cinema isn't choppy - I just don't like the program much. It's slow to load and you can't skim through movies.

Gojensen: Which link?

Download mpc2kxp6484.zip or Download mpc98me6484.zip

I have Windows XP and Broadband if that makes a difference?

Do you use this program yourself? Is it reliable for DVD playback? No nasty virus or spy bullshit comes with it?

IronMonkey · Post by **IronMonkey** » 13 Sep 2005, 13:45

Markgway wrote:Which link?

Download mpc2kxp6484.zip or Download mpc98me6484.zip

I have Windows XP and Broadband if that makes a difference?

Take a good look at the file names, there's usually a clue as to which one you need.

The first file is for users of Windows 2000 / XP and the second is for people who use Windows Me / 98.

There's a useful little tip for you!

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 13 Sep 2005, 15:00

lol

OK, thanks.

gojensen · Post by **gojensen** » 14 Sep 2005, 16:36

Uhm, yeah what the monkey said

(I wasn't personally aware that there were more than version mind...) :bom:

Unrealnils · Post by **Unrealnils** » 14 Sep 2005, 18:11

Delete all the crap from you're machine........

THen stick in power dvd or windvd and hey presto.

I bet its all the crap installed from the pc supplier thats lowing things down.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 14 Sep 2005, 23:42

I agree with Nils. It's amazing how much crappy software you'll never use they throw on which only uses up system resources, stupidly making your brand new machine slower than it needs to be.

If I were ever to buy a retail machine I'd insist they JUST gave me Windows or if they couldn't I'd ask it not have Windows installed and they just gave me the driver CDs + a seperate Windows CD.

If they couldn't they'd lose a sale.

PowerDVD I believe is considered the big daddy but is far the standard supplied with all new machines.

Personally I don't bother as I dislike watching films on my PC but install this codec set and WMP will then be able to play DVDs fine:

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_L ... c_Pack.htm

I have the Full version but for you you'd probably want the Standard version.

gojensen wrote:Try MediaPlayerClassic available HERE (link to sf.net, scroll down...)

Can this play DVDs out of the box?

I'm sure you need an MPEG2 codec also installed.

TBH Mark would be better off getting an MPEG2 codec and using WMP. Media Player Classic is great but for most people they'll find it basic.

Actually you may find Mark PowerCinema is better than WMP. PowerDVD and WinDVD aren't free.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 15 Sep 2005, 01:11

I have an old version of Win DVD (2000, 2.4) but I thought it was quite decent. Maybe it is Power Cinema which is causing the problems? Thing is: if I delete that and Win DVD or WMP doesn't work I can't get it back can I as the program was pre-installed?

IronMonkey · Post by **IronMonkey** » 15 Sep 2005, 08:15

Didn't whoever sold you the system give you a backup CD?

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 15 Sep 2005, 18:53

I don't think there's a backup CD. I tried to make one myself in case disaster struck. But you guys know what I'm like.