Often a question pops up about how to play a certain video or audio file. Most often it is due to a missing codec (Compression/Decompression) and can be time consuming determining what is needed and where to get it. For .avi files, most usually will need a DivX/Xvid codec and should be the first one installed. QuickTime, Real Player and Windows Media player will install codecs specifically for those file types as will most DVD players for MPEG-2.

As for codec packs (all in one codecs), caution has to be used in installing them in order to prevent conflicts with default installed ones. Try not to install every codec in a pack but pick the ones you need. The following program will allow you to evaluate your video/audio file and determine what codec you will need to play it > AVICodec. Another one is Gspot

A source of pretty much any codec you may need > FreeCodecs K-Lite Codec Pack is one of the best, De-filerPak is a minimalist version with the most common codecs, and Nimo Codec pack (though discontinued while K-lite is kept up to date regularly).

If members have any suggestions or experiences, please post here - just be sure to follow forum rules about pirated/copied videos/audios.

Thanks to Tywais for this useful info.

I have added it to the list in the FAQ which is pinned at the top of the session.

Anyone in Thailand or elsewhere contemplating Linux needs to know how to install codecs because unlike proprietary operating systems, there's no price to build the cost of licencing codecs into, so nothing is included. You have to install it all manually.

A good explanation/tutorial and codec pack can be found here:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/How-to-Inst...nux-39555.shtml

Given a mods response yesterday I have to ask what this subject has to do with Thailand?

Thin ice there gummy.

Most expats in Thailand have computers, and so do TV members.

Most expats in Thailand have computers, and so do TV members.

It's a pain typing up your posts and mailing them in isn't it?

In my opinion, just installing Xvid and adding a player like VLC or GOM Player (with built in codecs) makes pretty much any format accesible...codec packs are very tricky, because they stick themselves all over the registry, whereas the above players have self-contained support.

From my experience, packs are more hassle than they're worth and can cause any number of very strange issues to pop up (renderer switches in players like WMP, upside-down video, etc.)

afaiu, if you want to get something free, that can play everything, use the klite full codec pack. It includes mplayer, and only the codecs you need to play everything.