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dvd decoder?

  • 27-09-2009 8:30pm
    #1
    silvergirl
    Closed Accounts Posts: 14 ✭


    just tried to play a dvd on my laptop it has windows xp. windows media player would not play this and said it require dvd decoder. What's that about?? shouldn't this be included in any decent computer package??


Comments

  • #2
    aphex™
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,338 ✭✭✭aphex™


    You would think so. However, most people just use VLC player- it plays practically everything. Get it here.


  • #3
    Fysh
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 11,076 Mod ✭✭✭✭Fysh


    silvergirl wrote: »
    just tried to play a dvd on my laptop it has windows xp. windows media player would not play this and said it require dvd decoder. What's that about?? shouldn't this be included in any decent computer package??

    It's about the way in which data is scrambled on a DVD, ostensibly in order to prevent copyright infringement. From a software developer's perspective the options are to either buy a licence from the DVD Copy Control Association (which means making a loss if the software's free or charging for it to cover the cost) or using a potentially unlawful/illegal (depending on where the charges are filed and whether the offence is deemed to be a civil or criminal matter in that area) option like DeCSS to get around it.

    A lot of laptop manufacturers like Dell will ship laptops with preinstalled DVD playback software like PowerDVD or WinDVD. The problem here isn't with the OS or the standard software packages, but with the industry body that decided to use this particular anti-piracy technique.

    VLC is probably your easiest way around the issue for home use, though you could also try Mplayer.


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