More newbie codec confusion...

[sofakng]

I think I almost have everything straightened out...

It looks like I need the following software:

FFDShow-Tryouts (decodes most codecs)
Quicktime Alternative
Haali Splitter (for .MKV container files)

From what I've gathered, the only thing I'm really missing is MPEG2.

What is the best codec for MPEG2? I only want a DirectShow filter since I'll be using Window Vista Media Center for playback. I've heard that PowerDVD will decode MPEG2 but do I need to use that as my player if I install it?

Can Vista / (WMP10/WMP11?) decode .TS files and decode VC-1 files? (from my other thread this seems to be the case)

Am I missing any codecs for playback of nearly everything including HD-DVD/BluRay files?

[Episode]

Ffdshow-tryouts can decode mpeg2 if you enable it from the settings, but you can also use Media Player Classic, that decodes mpeg2 just fine.

[sofakng]

Thanks for the reply.

I don't want to use Media Player Classic since that uses VfW, right? I'd just like to stick with Windows Media Center, which I think uses Windows Media Player 10 or 11?

Do I need anything special to read .TS files? (I'm guessing TS is a container format?) Am I missing any other codecs for High Definition playback of any type?

[Episode]

Nope, MPC uses directshow just like any other modern player does (except mplayer and vlc of course which don't need one).

For .TS, better matroska, ogm and mp4 support you should download haali's media splitter. I also suggest that you should visit http://www.cccp-project.net/ and get the latest release. It's a codecpack that really just includes mpc, ffdshow-tryouts and haali's media splitter in same pack with proper settings for all of them.