Media Player and DVD decoder

[bongoman31]

Hi,
I'm trying to use Windows Media Player to play a DVD on my desktop. I have no trouble on my laptop. It says I need a compatible DVD decoder installed. First, is this the same thing as a codec? I installed DivX thinking this might do the trick, but no. Can someone recommend a good free solution? Thx

[sillKotscha]

I am a bit speechless as I thought that someone registered here since Aug 2003 and with 110 post is informed enough to know the difference between a codec and a decoder and on top knows the difference between a DVD/ mpeg2 decoder and DivX - but well, I like to be surprised :)

a free mpeg2 decoder can be found here (http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=205650&package_id=246121)...

and maybe searching before asking such weird questions is the way to go ;)

[foxyshadis]

That doesn't really mean you need to be rude about it, even if you don't mean to be.

bongo: The term 'codec' isn't used as often now, since encoders and decoders are decoupled more, but most people still use it to mean either encoders, decoders, or both, so make sure you know which they mean. ;)

[bongoman31]

Thanks Foxy... glad to know I still have the ability to leave people speechless!! Look, I still post often in Newbies for a reason; no I'm not a moron, but I don't live and breathe this stuff like some of you; I piddle with it, then don't mess with it for awhile, and forget alot in between. (One of the first things I turned up with Google search was DivX) Lighten up, Francis!

[sillKotscha]

I'm sorry... I will never assume again that someone might possibly know about basic video glossary when he/ she is a registered member since 2003...

a thousand pardons

edit:

and you're right... I didn't meant to be rude. I was just deeply astonished :)