are there any free (or cheap) dvd decoders?

[Wah]

I need to watch dvd's on my winxp system...

 

[TheWart]

the cheapest would be to get a software decoder like PowerDVD XP 4.0 from newegg ($4 plus insane $7 shipping). then you're set!

 

[zzzz]

I thought there was a plugin for the dvd support in wmp8.

 

[Workin']

<< I thought there was a plugin for the dvd support in wmp8. >>

Yeah, but you still need a decoder.

 

[jmorrell]

The Windows Media player plug-in should have all you need to play DVDs. You don't need any other decoding software.

 

[tw1164]

I thought you need a decoder(software or hardware) if you wanted to use WMP8. I found this in the help file:



<< To play DVDs, you must have a DVD-ROM drive and a software or hardware DVD decoder installed on your computer. If you do not have a compatible DVD decoder installed, DVD-related commands, options, and controls do not appear in the Player and you cannot play DVDs. >>



Since you're using XP I assumed you were talking about your Main System. I would have thought that your video card came with a DVD player, maybe one is available at the manufacture's website. Good luck

 

[jmorrell]

Go here for more info on decoders for WinXP:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/windowsxp/dvdplay.asp

 

[Workin']

The DVD decoder plug-in for WMP is $14.95 and is available from several manufacturers.

PowerDVD is $11 from newegg.