Today a good friend asked a great question. How do I play DVDs with Windows Media Player? Do I need a decoder?

So, if your issue is that you can't watch DVDs with Windows Media Player (WMP), then continue reading.

WMP is weak for playing video files - especially DVDs. It does need a decoder or other software already installed to play DVDs. It's easier to play DVDs with freeware. I love Microsoft, but they definately missed the boat with WMP and DVDs.

If you have a newer computer that came with a DVD player, then you likely have DVD Playing software (which includes decoder) already installed. Check the discs that came with your computer. The most popular one is CyberLink PowerDVD, which is the one I use. Another popular one is WinDVD. The issue with these is that they are not free - unless they came with your computer purchase.

For free DVD playing outside of WMP, try VLC and/or KMPlayer. They are both super powerful and play anything.

VLC streams video from the internet, and I have even been able to play MKV high def video files with it.

CNET says: "The VLC media player does not need a decoder to play DVDs, so its the best free solution for using a computer DVD player with no DVD decoder software."

VLC Media Player:
http://download.cnet.com/VLC-Media-Player/3000-13632_4-10267151.html?tag=mncol;pop

KMPlayer flips and rotates videos in real time! This is great for your rear-projection setup.

CNET says: "KMPlayer is one of the most powerful freeware video players we've seen." - I agree!

KMPlayer:
http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-DVD-Video-Converter.htm

If you're stuck on playing DVDs with Windows Media Player, then buy PowerDVD or WinDVD. They have built-in dvd decoders, so once you install them you can play DVDs with WMP.

Also, you can download and try these...Not sure if they have built-in decoders but it's worth a shot - they're free.

Easy DVD Player 2.0:
http://download.cnet.com/Easy-DVD-Player/3000-7970_4-10104512.html

Blaze DVD Free 6.0:
http://download.cnet.com/Blaze-DVD-Free/3000-2139_4-10197937.html

Let me know which DVD players and decoders you use.

Have fun,

Vivian

ViSO Tech