codec frustration, WMP idiocy, and other things...

[reboot]

OK, I'm totally sick of downloading and installing codecs. I've tried Nimo's various packs, single codec's from other sources, and now have 17 different MPEG Layer 3 coder/decoders, Divx, Xvid, AC3, ad infinitum, yet...every time I try to play certain mpg's in WMP, it insists on looking, and not finding a codec. The mpg may then either play, play with no video, play with no audio, or crash WMP.
After ripping a DVD, then re-encoding it in TmpgEnc for SVCD, using MPEG Audio layer II, at 44,100hz stereo, the resulting mpg ALWAYS craps out in WMP.

I need:
1.) Codecs that work, with out WMP having to try to find one and fail, or:
2.) A player that will play all varying formats (Intel Indeo, I263, MPG1, MPG2, etc., etc.) that is as fast and versatile as WMP, without the @!&%^&*% codec headache crap.

Any suggestions?
I'm tired of having Nero balk, and either attempt to re-encode, or ignore and make a coaster, or whatever, because TmpgEnc didn't do something perfectly.
All I want to do is check the final mpg from TmpgEnc in WMP, for formatting, video res, etc., before burning SVCD in Nero 6.
It shouldn't be this difficult, nor should WMP constantly be looking for a codec it can't get.

[ric449]

Try this: http://www.headbands.com/gspot/ It identifies which codecs are needed for the audio and video, and when it starts it tells you if any codecs are corrupted. It's supposed to be for AVI files, but if you choose the file and click render near the bottom it should give you some helpful info.

[SonicVanguard]

Your problem may be the Nimo packs. They are renouned for corrupting previously installed codecs. I would uninstall all those codecs and then look for the Kristal Studio Codecs Pack.

I would also download iTunes - it includes the Fraunhofer IIS MPEG Layer-3 Codec which is by far the best layer 3 codec on the market. iTunes also comes with Quicktime, which regardless of what people gripe about, is a great player and will play just about any file type.

Dave.

[reboot]

Got gspot, that's not a problem. It can correctly identify the codec, and then I download it, and WMP still craps out trying to play it.
Not terribly sure I want anything to do with Quicktime on my system...but I will look for the Kristal pack.
Thanks...any other ideas?

[SonicVanguard]

See...I've used Quicktime forever and never had one problem with it. It's not bloated and it's certainly not buggy. Of course, being a 'professional' I've got Quicktime Pro, so I don't know how frustrating their regualr version can be when it prompts you for an upgrade.

Dave.

[reboot]

I have a QT alternative that I prefer, and it works perfectly, without any of the QT taskbar and upgrade crap.

I uninstalled the Nimo buggy junk, and installed the Kristal pack. Much better. Added a separate AC3 and XviD codec's, as well as the Fraunhofer IIS MPEG Layer-3 Codec (without Itunes), and everything seems to work much smoother, with WMP not crapping out on downloading some unknown codec all the time.

Thanks for the help guys

[SonicVanguard]

What did I tell you - those Nimo packs are deadly.

Glad everything worked out.

Dave.