DVD encoder

[Galaxy_EGS]

Hi:

Can any one help me with this, please?:

I just installed PowerDVD on my niece's computer but still can't play DVDs. Windows Media Player doesn't play them either. I get an error saying I need a decoder. I thought the decoder would install along with PowerDVD. This computer had WinDVD but it crashed and had to be formatted and we didn't back up the drivers and encoder, and I would also need to find the sound driver.

Do I have to buy the decoder separately or is there a way to include it in the PowerDVD software installation?

Thanks!
Galaxy_EGS
P.S. Happy New Year!

[EvilRick]

Since you just reinstalled, it sounds like you might need to reinstall your video card drivers as well.

[johnnyis42]

that is a wierd problem, since power dvd supports software decoding. often time, however, if it is power dvd that came with a particular computer/video card/dvd drive, it will have some detection setting that only allows you to use it with that particular piece of hardware. since you re-installed your system, evil rick is very likely correct in saying that updated video drivers (as opposed to the native windows drivers) will have to be installed for power dvd to play dvd's.

windows media player typically does require additional products to be purchased for dvd playback, though the software driver capeability is usually what microsoft expects you to pay for. occasionally OEM computer manufacturers license the driver in conjunction with hardware support for their particular dvd decoding hardware in their machine directly from microsoft.

if the video driver doesn't work, there may be an update from the cyberlink web site (the makers of power dvd) that updates the hardware compatability for your system. also, if you install the drivers, power dvd doesn't work, and there isn't an update, try uninstalling and then reinstalling power dvd, see if it picks up the hardware support that way.

good luck!

[Galaxy_EGS]

PowerDVD didn't come with the computer, WinDVD did. I installed PowerDVD because I don't have WinDVD. I performed the installation after I formatted the computer and installed XP. The original system was XP Home Edition, I installed XP Professional. Also, I only did a quick format, not full format. Do you think I should've done a full format?

I'll give a try to what you both guys say and let you know what turns out.

Thanks

[PC_Fanatic]

A full format wouldn't have helped, it would just take more time.

What you need is a video codec (compressor/decompressor).

Here is a link which may be helpful:
http://www.free-codecs.com/guides/

Then click on
Codecs_Supported_by_Windows_Media_Player_for_Windo ws%20XP.htm

Windows XP doesn't come with a video codec. Some DVD player software will install a codec if none are available.

The Cinepak codec is probably what you need.

Do a Google search for 'Cinepak codec' and install as instructed.

The text editor doesn't seem to like long URLS l

[Galaxy_EGS]

Problem solved!

I updated the audio driver and PowerDVD started playing DVDs but the audio and images were pausing every one or two seconds. I updated the graphics driver and I can now enjoy my DVDs. Thank you guys for the clues.