Windows Media Player 9 Codecs Pack

Overview

Windows Media Player 9 Codecs Pack is an update pack for the media player from Microsoft designed for its ninth version. The software was updated partly in response to the European Commission that previous editions of the Microsoft software breached certain laws in Europe. The codecs pack was partly intended to address this by broadening the number of types of audio or video content that would be supported by the Windows Media Player.

A codec is a package that can decode audio streams which have been encoded a certain way in order to save space. The audio files cannot be played successfully unless the media player has the right codec installed. Installation of this code pack from Windows Media Player 9 therefore expands out considerably the types of encoded media content that the player can decode correctly.

Two of the main benefits of this software is that it implements support for the popular MP3 audio format and the latest HD video format, MP4. This enables the user to access music and other content more easily and to play video distributed in high-quality MPEG4 video.

Web streaming is also better supported with the pack than without it. There is included support for the Windows Media Video (WMV) format for streamed content. Some of the codecs have been created to help encode or decode video and audio streams automatically as needed. The Corona Windows Media Video Decoder DMO and the Windows Media Audio Decoder are also included. These can deliver a smooth visual and auditory experience.

Installation

The installation went as planned without any surprises.

There was no adware, toolbar, spyware or malware included with the setup package.

Windows Media Player 9 Codecs Pack requires Windows 2000, XP, 2003 or a later version. The software update also requires Windows Media Player 9.

Interface

The installation package comes as a simple executable. This needs to be launched. The software will then check that the Windows Media Player 9 is installed so that it can add the codecs patch to the current installation.

There is no actual interface to use as this software is basically an installer.

Pros

• Useful package of audio codecs only for Windows Media Player 9
• Add support for MP3 and MP4 audio and video formats
• Decode a wider range of audio for audio and/or video playback
• Supports better internet streamed content support
• Includes support for the Windows Media Video (WMV) format

Cons

• Newer versions of the Windows Media Player are better still.

Alternatives

KM Player includes many of the same codecs in an update media player package without the need to separately install the codecs.

Conclusion

Windows Media Player 9 Codecs Pack is a useful extra for this version of the Windows Media Player which adds much needed support for MP3, MP4 and better online streaming via Windows Media Video.