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ffdshow is an open source codec that supports all major formats like DivX, Xvid, H.264, AVC, MPEG1, MPEG2 and many others. It also has filters for post-processing and enhancing the video quality.

Subtitles can be displayed as well, including those embedded in containers like MP4 or MKV. You can use ffdshow as an audio decoder too, but AC3Filter is way better in handling AC3, DTS or SPDIF output.

I have included a registry file that contains the settings I use to set ffdshow as the default decoder for all the supported files. It will display external or embedded subtitles and add post-processing to the video.

I use ffdshow, AC3Filter and DivX Tech Preview to play everything I want. You can use Haali Media Splitter along with DivX Tech Preview to support thumbnails of MKV files (just disable Haali thumbnailing feature to use DivX, which is much better). For video playback, Media Player Classic Home Cinema is my favorite.

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Windows 7 introduced many changes to Windows Media Foundation.

One of those changes is that now Windows Media Player uses it exclusively for playing back video. If you want to use a DirectShow codec instead of one of the component of the Windows Media Foundation, you need to make changes to some system files and that is not recommended for inexperienced users.

Preferred Filter Tweaker allows you to change which codec to use without manually changing system files yourself. You can now choose to use ffdshow or Xvid in Windows Media Player or Windows Media Center, for example.

DirectShow-based players, like Media Player Classic Home Cinema, are not affected by Windows Media Foundation, as they don’t support it.

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This codec package provides everything you need to view all major audio and video formats in Windows 7. For users that don’t want to keep looking for codecs and instead just focus on playing their files without problems, this is as easy as it gets.

You can use the player of your preference, including Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center.

This is the only codec package I would recommend. It is advised to install it on a system without any other codec packages, even when the installer can uninstall the most popular ones if it finds them. For support, there is a forum. If you have any doubt or a problem, you will find answers there.

Shark007, its author, has a version for Windows Vista users called Vista Codec Package that works as well as Win7codecs.

I use ffdshow, AC3Filter and DivX Tech Preview to play everything I want. You can use Haali Media Splitter along with DivX Tech Preview to support thumbnails of MKV files (just disable Haali thumbnailing feature to use DivX, which is much better). For video playback, Media Player Classic Home Cinema is my favorite.

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MediaInfo is an application that can show you all the relevant information about audio and video files, such as tags, codecs, audio channels, subtitles and more.

It is multi-platform and open source. You can download an installer or a portable version.

There’s an x64 version as well.

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Use QuickTime Alternative for playing videos and as a plugin for viewing streaming media in your favorite browser. It now includes MOV DL Tool, which is great because it gets launched when you click QuickTime links and lets you download the video file or stream it normally.

With it you don’t need Apple’s invasive, slow and bloated player. Also, you need to install it if you are using my iTunes switchless installers.

There is another package called QT Lite. The only difference is that QT Lite doesn’t include Media Player Classic, a great multimedia player. I recommended it as a video player. Its light, fast and has tons of features.

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Real Alternative allows you to view RealMedia files without having to install the infamous RealMedia Player and everything that comes with it.

All RealMedia formats are supported, including plugins for web browsers to view streaming media.

The only difference between Regular and Lite packages is that the Lite version don’t installs Media Player Classic. If you are willing to try the best player, use the Regular installer.

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ffdshow is an open source codec that supports all major formats like DivX, Xvid, H.264, AVC, MPEG1, MPEG2 and many others. It also has filters for post-processing and enhancing the video quality.

Subtitles can be displayed as well, including those embedded in containers like MP4 or MKV. You can use ffdshow as an audio decoder too, but AC3Filter is way better in handling AC3, DTS or SPDIF output.

I have included a registry file that contains the settings I use to set ffdshow as the default decoder for all the supported files. It will display external or embedded subtitles and add post-processing to the video.

I use ffdshow, AC3Filter and DivX Tech Preview to play everything I want. You can use Haali Media Splitter instead of DivX Tech Preview to support thumbnails of MKV. For video playback, Media Player Classic is my favorite.

Website & Download Registry Settings

Vista Codec Package installs everything you need in order to play all audio and video formats. With this, you don’t need to keep looking for needed codecs.

It doesn’t come with a media player, so you can use Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center or whatever you like.

Totally recommended for those who want a codec pack that work right after installation without the need to tweak settings. If you want to configure settings, you will be able to do so. You can install it in Windows XP as well. For support, there is a forum.

Shark007, its author, has a version for Windows 7 called Win7codecs that works just as great as Vista Codec Package.

I use ffdshow, AC3Filter and DivX Tech Preview to play everything I want. You can use Haali Media Splitter along with DivX Tech Preview to support thumbnails of MKV files (just disable Haali thumbnailing feature to use DivX, which is much better). For video playback, Media Player Classic is my favorite.

Website Download Vista Codec x64 Components