Windows Video Playback

This article is aimed at providing useful information regarding playback on Windows based computers.

A List of Commonly Used Players

ALLPlayer (Acceptable Player)

This player will utilize CCCP, but has a confusing interface and useless features. It is also rather homely.

BSPlayer (Bad Player)

We don't suggest anyone uses this player. It is filled with bugs.

Coreplayer (Acceptable Player)

Developed by the same team that developed the CoreAVC codec. It does not uililize CCCP, meaning it only uses internal filters. Also it will not render subtitles.

DivX Player (Bad Player)

This player is semi-compatible with CCCP. It will play MKV, OGM, and MP4 files, but it cannot play audio files. Not recommended for use. Tends to pixelate the image in certain instances.

FFPlayer (Bad Player)

Doesn't utilize vsfilter.

JetAudio Player (Acceptable Player)

KMPlayer (Acceptable Player)

Good player, but may change font of subtitles during playback. Utilizes internal codecs.

Media Player Classic (MPC) (Good Player)

This player is included in CCCP. It is recommended that you use this player, however it must be configured correctly. Refer to this guide.

MPlayer (Acceptable Player)

This player only utilizes internal filters. It will play videos as well as CCCP can, but is not user friendly.

QuickTime (Bad Player)

Will play MP4 files, but not AVI, MKV, or OGM files. To play QuickTime files, it is recommended that you use the QT Alternative which works in conjuction with Media Player Classic.

RealPlayer 10 (Bad Player)

Loads CCCP with AVI files, but won't load MKV/OGM files. To play Real files, it is recommended that you use the Real Alternativewhich works in conjunction with Media Player Classic.

The Core Media Player (TCMP) (Acceptable Player)

Not to be confused with the Coreplayer (see above). It will work fine if you don't use the included filters.

VLC Media Player (Bad Player)

This player supports nearly every media filetype one may encounter, but is not recommended for use. It does not utilize external codecs and has a slow, buggy interface. It also does not render subtitles correctly.

WinAmp 5 (Acceptable Player)

Will work fine if configured correctly. Subtitles must be loaded manually.

Windows Media Player (Acceptable Player)

Not to be confused with Media Player Classic (see above). Will play fine, but will sometimes crash. Various other issues.

Zoom Player (Good Player)

This player is included in CCCP, may have playback issues in Vista. Very nice, relatively easy to use interface. Do not download the Professional versions, download the standard edition. The professional versions are trials, they stop working after a while. Has an installation center that installs all CCCP codecs for you.

Codecs and Codec Packs

Codec Packs

CCCP (Recommended)

• CCCP stands for Combined Community Codec Pack and was created to consolidate the filter packs of many different fansub groups into a single reliable filter pack that is shared by all of the fansub groups.
• Stability is high, CCCP claim to have no bugs.
• Lightweighted (it only includes what you really need).

CCCP Homepage

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack

• Plays almost every video available, even rare (for playback of anime you don't need most of them).
• Comes bundled with Media Player Classic.

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack on Free-Codecs.com.

XP Codec Pack

• Plays many different formats, it's like a little heavier pack than CCCP.
• Gets regular updates (this means it may not be stable all times).

XP Codec Pack Homepage

Codecs

CoreAVC Professional (Recommended if you have trouble with h264 encodes)

Refer to Psyren's guide