For those of you that use Media Center, you may or may not know about the need to supply your own MPEG2 video decoder. An MPEG2 decoder is software that allows you to play DVDs and files that contain video content that was encoded in the MPEG2 format (such as DVR-MS files, MPG files, etc). This includes Live TV, Recorded TV, DVD Playback and My Videos.
Microsoft does not include a MPEG2 video decoder with any of the Windows XP editions, including Media Center, so with Media Center being an OEM-only product, the onus was placed on the OEM to include whatever MPEG2 video decoder that they wanted. However, with the large number of people interested in the Media Center platform, many have chosen to build their own systems. As such, they are not aware of this MPEG2 video decoder issue.
The easiest way to get a MPEG2 video decoder that will work for Media Center is to get the latest version one of the common DVD playback programs. The top three DVD playback software include:
Microsoft does not include a MPEG2 video decoder with any of the Windows XP editions, including Media Center, so with Media Center being an OEM-only product, the onus was placed on the OEM to include whatever MPEG2 video decoder that they wanted. However, with the large number of people interested in the Media Center platform, many have chosen to build their own systems. As such, they are not aware of this MPEG2 video decoder issue.
The easiest way to get a MPEG2 video decoder that will work for Media Center is to get the latest version one of the common DVD playback programs. The top three DVD playback software include:
- Media Center Decoder Utility Box
- Free Dvd Decoder For Windows Media Player
- Media Center Decoder Utility Car
(f) Under the “SWAP” tab check off “Use MPC-HC for WVC1 instead of Microsoft”, “Disable Microsoft’s Audio Decoder” and “Disable Windows Media Foundation”. (g) If you decide you want to uninstall Sharks’ codec pack, simply go to the “Help” tab and click “Uninstall”.
- Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility helps you determine if an MPEG-2 video decoder (also called a DVD decoder) is installed on your Windows XP computer and whether or not the decoder is compatible with Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP Media Center Edition. An MPEG-2 decoder is software that allows you to play DVDs and files that.
- More helpfully, Video Decoder Checkup displays checks for each decoder that is Media Player 10 and Media Center Edition compatible. You can quickly choose one and set it as your preferred decoder.
- I would like to change the decoder in media centre (vista). I just think the TV quality is shabby and my videos (mpegs) are poor quality (lots of black blotches all over it) I have a copy of powerdvd. Does anyone know how I make this the default decoder? Is it ready for vista? OR any other.
- Windows Media Player DVD 11 Decoder. The program operates thanks to Windows Media Player and it ensures high quality reproduction. Compatibility with this software may vary, but will generally run fine under Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8. I'm about to try your suggestion, tyrred. A separate x64 version may be available from Microsoft.
Media Center Decoder Utility Box
Unfortunately, none of these programs are free due to MPEG2 licensing issues; however, each offer a 30 day trial. In general, it is best to get the latest version of the DVD software, as many bugs are often fixed. Often times, the software is updated silently (i.e. WinDVD 7 has been updated 8 times since it was first released in September 2005).If you are not sure what MPEG2 video decoder you have installed, Microsoft has created the Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility. This utility helps you determine if an MPEG2 video decoder (also called a DVD decoder) is installed on your Windows XP computer and whether or not the decoder is compatible with Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP Media Center Edition.
I personally use the NVidia Purevideo Decoder on my Media Center PCs; however, all three of the above software are known to work with Media Center. Many OEMs tend to include older versions of the above software. Whether you want to stick with the older version, or upgrade to a newer version, that is up to you. However, if you do run into trouble, it often helps to upgrade to a known good working version (i.e. the latest revisions) to rule out any potential issues that may have already been addressed. The latest DVD playback software also tend to take advantage of features found in more advanced video cards. For example, the Purevideo decoder takes advantage of the Purevideo technology features found in the latest NVidia video cards.
Because of the growth of home-built Media Center PCs, Microsoft recognizes that the need to purchase a separate MPEG2 video decoder is a major pain point for those that are enthusiastic about setting up their own systems. As a result, the versions of Vista that will have Media Center functionality included (as mentioned in a previous blog entry), Home Premium and Ultimate, will have an MPEG2 video decoder included. This decoder will be sufficient for Media Center needs, and if the user requires something better, they are free to obtain and install another MPEG2 video decoder.
Free Dvd Decoder For Windows Media Player
Media Center Decoder Utility Car
NVIDIA PureVideo Decoder is a combination of hardware-based video processor and software decoding video designed for playback of DVD and MPEG-2 video with the help of Microsoft Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center Edition.
NVIDEO DVD Decoder means accurate video for the home theatre best experience. The software decoder NVIDIA® PureVideo™, a plug-in for Microsoft® Windows® Media Player and Media Center Edition, ensures smooth video playback and incomparable image and color clarity while watching DVD, video and television broadcast on your computer. The software supports Dolby® Digital surround sound audio and all the functions of your Microsoft DirectX® compatible graphic processor.
Key features and characteristics of NVIDIA DVD Decoder:
NVIDEO DVD Decoder means accurate video for the home theatre best experience. The software decoder NVIDIA® PureVideo™, a plug-in for Microsoft® Windows® Media Player and Media Center Edition, ensures smooth video playback and incomparable image and color clarity while watching DVD, video and television broadcast on your computer. The software supports Dolby® Digital surround sound audio and all the functions of your Microsoft DirectX® compatible graphic processor.
Key features and characteristics of NVIDIA DVD Decoder:
Wizard divinity original sin 2. ·Author: NVIDIA Corp.
·Website: www.nvidia.com;
·Size: 20,86 MB;
·Systems: Windows XP;
·License: Trial;
·Completely compatible with ISO MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video and audio decoders;
·MPEG-2 for acceleration of reverse quantization (IQ), reverse discrete cosine;
·Transform (IDCT) and motion compensation (mo comp);
·Support of Microsoft DirectShow;
·Superimposition support;
·Centre;
·Stream for Windows Media Player and Windows Media files reading;
·
·Website: www.nvidia.com;
·Size: 20,86 MB;
·Systems: Windows XP;
·License: Trial;
·Completely compatible with ISO MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video and audio decoders;
·MPEG-2 for acceleration of reverse quantization (IQ), reverse discrete cosine;
·Transform (IDCT) and motion compensation (mo comp);
·Support of Microsoft DirectShow;
·Superimposition support;
·Centre;
·Stream for Windows Media Player and Windows Media files reading;
·