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    Video and Audio software suggestions

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by hehe299792458, Jun 19, 2007.

  1. hehe299792458

    hehe299792458 Notebook Deity

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    I've been trying to build a HTPC for the last two weeks and have recently managed to get the hardware to play nice with each other. However, to my dismay, the software that I hoped to run didn't do what I had imagined; so now, I need a host of new software. A "Media Center-ish" program that can playback DVDs, Pictures, Videos, and Music clearly. I first considered MCE, but since I couldn't read files besides those one in My Documents, it was quickly discard. I tried Media Portal and for some reason, video and DVDs look horrible on there (yes, I have the correct codecs). If anyone has suggestions, that'd be great, but after goolging for hours, I don't think there are any good alternatives out there; so I'm currently looking for single-purpose ones. I need a:

    1) DVD player - I need one that can output surround via 6-ch or Toslink out. Power DVD seems to be able to do these, but it crashes every time I change a setting.

    2) Video player/manager - I have a massive library of downloaded shows, documentaries, and ripped movies that I want to be able to conveniently access. VLC and Media Player Classic are able to play them fine, but I need something that is able to navigate through them (preferably only using the MCE remote).

    3) Music Player I've gotten tired of using iTunes on my computer and want a new music player. However, this isn't essential and if there aren't any good ones, I'll just stick to iTunes for now.

    4) A picture manager - Again, I have lots of pictures stored on the network and would like to access them easily.


    Thanks, :)
     
  2. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    best player and all the codecs all in one:

    http://www.cccp-project.net/

    best thing ever!

    as for your sound output, not all codecs have those sound options embeded, and your hardware (your soundcard) must support what your trying to acomplish.

    Music, get winamp. its got alot of plugins that will make it work with your remote and also give it the best sound quality of any player I know of. Look into audioburst plugin for it I was able to force 24bit 192kz using my x-fi and that plugin.