Cheap Computer Needs Codec? Playing Home Movie Clips

[Mel6197]

Hi all

So my computer crashed (it was old) So money being tight, I got a compaq computer. Like $350. Cheap I know,

So here is my issue (coming to the photo, video part)
So all my video camera Sony and my Still Camera Videos clips that I take of the kids, family etc. Will download into the computer, but I cant get any of them to play. Making Home Movie Video clips with the kids, watching editing, All of this I cant do. The computer keeps telling me I need a Codec to play, but it doesnt tell me what kind of codec? where to get it? I googled the word and tons of "free codec" downloads come up, but I dont want to just download anything? So is this software I need go and buy? do I just get it off the computer?

Talk to me like Im 5 years old when it comes to this stuff... So I can understand....Thank you in advance

[SrisonS]

For a player that can play pretty much anything, I'd suggest looking for "VLC Media Player". It's completely free too. And maybe try looking for a Divx codec pack. That might help with that problem.... a big might though.

[Evad]

You could try Winamp (http://www.winamp.com/media-player)as well. And as mentioned above find the divx codec pack and download it.

[Shutterbug]

Well the software that came with the cameras should play them fine.
Do you have the software that came with the cameras? That should install all the codecs you need.

[Groucho]

Beware of codec packs! Those things can cause all sorts of issues.

My recommendation would be to grab the free trial of Zoom Player; it includes an Install Center which will automatically go out and grab the best and latest versions of all the common codecs you'll need, without the headache and potential problems that can results from codec packs.

By and large - ffdshow will be the main thing that you'll need (which Zoom Player will grab.) It's updated frequently and decodes a huge amount of video and audio codecs.

I use Zoom Player as my primary media player so I bought a license. There used to be a completely free version but I think all the current ones are trials. You can probably still find the last free version floating around.

[james786]

VLC media player will be good for you. And icing on the cake, its free too. You can have it through net.

[NateNLogansDad]

Let's go simple first. What's the file extension on the videos?
The file will be called something like Filename.ABC

The letters after the file name and the "." are the extension.

Let us know what the 3 or four letters are after the dot and it will be a lot easier to point you in the right direction