STANDARD Codecs 18.3.4

Overview

Win8codecs is a powerful collection of codecs that give you the ability to play all of your video files without having to download codecs separately for each individual format. If you're having trouble playing movies or other media files, downloading this handy package will solve all of your problems in an instant.

Installation

Installing this codec pack is as simple as downloading the setup package and then letting it run its automated process after launching. At a file size of 17 MB, it is somewhat large for a codec collection, yet is worth every gigabyte of space it consumes given the enhanced playback capabilities it provides. Since this is a free set of codecs that is supported by advertisements, you may want to be on the lookout for third-party toolbars and applications that may request permission to be installed during the setup process. Compatible with all recent versions of Windows, including XP, Vista, 7, and even the most recent Windows 8.

Interface

Since these are actually codecs that improve the functionality of media players that are already installed in your operating system, there is no user interface per se. However, the setup file could be considered a user interface for this package, and is very intuitive and easy to utilize.

Pros

• Displays Explorer properties for non-native file types, and automatically enables preview pane for any file types that were recently enabled (like FLV and MKV)

• Frequent updates are provided

• Gives you the ability to quickly enable/disable particular codecs that are installed within your operating system

• Includes built-in Win7DSFilterTweaker functionality

• Supports the playback of M4A and MOD audio files that contain ALAC

• Adds functionality to the Windows shell right-click context menu that lets you add any media file to Windows media player list by right clicking and selecting the appropriate option

• Facilitates the utilization of PDVD12 decoders for 32-bit LiveTV

• Automatically creates color thumbnails of all types of media files, including MKV and FLVs. In addition, you can specify which point in the video file you'd like to snap the representative thumbnail

• Lets you use the Xbox 360 as an extender to facilitate the playback of MKV files

• Instantly gives you the ability to playback almost all types of video files, including AMR, MKA, MPC, OFR, APE, FLAC, FLV, DIVX, M4B, OGG, MKV, OGM, OGV, RMVB, and XVID

Cons

• Installation package tries to install third-party applications, so be sure to uncheck these components during the setup

Alternatives

Popular codec packs that are similar to Win8Codecs include K-Lite Codec Pack, and CCCP (Combined Community Codec Pack). Both of these alternatives provide playback support for many of the same file types as Win8Codecs, so they are practically exchangeable solutions.

Conclusiosn

If you want to instantly enhance the functionality of your operating system's media players to support every type of video file and even additional audio files, installing Win8Codecs would be an advisable decision. By quickly enabling the playback of all media files and adding integrated functions to the Windows shell menu this software not only ensures compatibility, it also makes it easier to queue your favorite video files into Windows Media Player.