Clean Codec Package?

[ArkiStan]

There are tons of video codec packages out there. A lot have spyware and junkware embedded into them. I end up getting a lot of unwanted crap when I install them. And some codecs are just bad and cause a lot of errors. What clean codec packs have you used with success?

[mechmike0034]

This site is the shizzle for clean codecs and information: http://home.hccnet.nl/h.edskes/finalbuilds.htm

[Paymaster]

After re-installing my OS the last time, I have shied away from these codec packs. I have had way to many problems with hacked or conflicting codecs.

I use "Gspot" (google it) to find out what codec a file uses. I then search for that codec, and if I cannot find it from a legal, reputable source, I forget about that file.

[mechmike0034]

After re-installing my OS the last time, I have shied away from these codec packs. I have had way to many problems with hacked or conflicting codecs.

I use "Gspot" (google it) to find out what codec a file uses. I then search for that codec, and if I cannot find it from a legal, reputable source, I forget about that file.

The Edskes site talks about this in the FAQ (http://home.hccnet.nl/h.edskes/faqenglish.htm):


Question: Is it recommended to uninstall existing codec related software before installing the K-Lite (Mega) Codec Pack, QuickTime Alternative and/or Real Alternative?
Answer: Yes, it is highly recommended to uninstall existing codec related software (including QuickTime Player, RealPlayer and RealOne Player, but with the exception of standard Windows codecs and codecs which support formats that the software you want to install does not support) before installing. This way your system stays clean and potential problems will be avoided.


Question: My computer has a problem playing a certain audio or video file.
Answer: Install the latest version of the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack or the K-Lite Codec Pack, QuickTime Alternative and Real Alternative if you haven't done that already and try to play the file using Media Player Classic (MPC). When that doesn't work, then install VideoLAN and try to play the file using VideoLAN. VideoLAN is an excellent multimedia player which is capable of playing almost any format with it's own plugins, so it doesn't need any codecs to be installed on your computer. When that also doesn't work you have to make sure the file you are trying to play is a real one (not a fake) and that it's not corrupt. You can use GSpot Codec Information Appliance, which is included in the K-Lite (Mega) Codec Pack, to get more information about the codecs installed on your computer and about your audio and video files, like which codecs are needed to play a certain file. With GSpot Codec Information Appliance you can find out what the problem is.