K-lite Codec Pack vs CCCP Codec Pack Vs Shark007 Codec Pack Vs Other

[New-User]

Hey I Have Question In my Mind Whats Your Favourite Codec Pack And Why?
I Choose K-lite Codec Pack (Mega)

Advantages:
Bundle Of Most Needed Codecs Such As XVID & Other Decoders Like LAV & FFDSHOW & Its More compatibility With Windows Versions Also It Can Play Huge Numbers Of Media Files.

Disadvantages:
Its A Lil Complicated For New Users.

[Hypernova]

For my purpose (fansubs, mostly), I think it comes to the point where installing individual filters is no harder and using a codec pack. I only needs mkv splitter(Haali) and h264 decoder and that's it. I'll eventually replace haali with LAV when ordered chapter is support. About the decoder, in fact, nowadays I use madVR internal decoder, which make things even more simple. I still keep my ffdshow installed for audio decoder, but I think I'll eventually move to LAV audio as well.

I'm not trying to say bad things about codec packs, since I think we're long passed the point where the filter can massed up your system. On the other hand, the fact that it doesn't means a codec pack doesn't have to do much; just bundle a couple filters together and you get a codec pack. For example, "LAV" by itself included spliter, video, and audio decoders, cover almost everything you need and more. Using something like K-lite actually means more work to me since I have to select what I need. Also, it's slower to update compare to just grab the individual filter (set) I need directly.

[hello_hello]

I used the CCCP for a while but the way it's configured actually caused some minor playback problems for me. After the last format I manually installed everything the CCCP installs, MPC-HC, ffdshow, Haali splitter (is there anything else?). I leave MPC-HC to playback video using it's own internal filters and ffdshow and Haali are basically just used for decoding while encoding, unless I want to test something in which case I temporarily disable the appropriate MPC-HC filter to use Haali or ffdshow.

The audio/video encoding programs I use install most of their own encoders/decoders in their own installation folders, so I wouldn't want a codec pack installing a bunch of codecs either duplicating what I already have and confusing the issue or installing a bunch of stuff I don't need. The only encoders I need to install manually for some programs are audio encoders and that's just LAME, Aften and Nero AAC. When I say install, you just save them somewhere and tell the software where to find them.

In what way is K-lite compatible with more windows versions? I assume you mean when compared with some other codec packs?
Installing codecs individually may be a little complicated for new users but given you already admitted installing K-lite can be similarly complicated.....

Anyway, aside from CCCP I haven't installed a codec pack in probably ten years so I can't comment on the advantages, disadvantages of one over the other, but it'll be interesting to find out if any of the people who reply here actually use codec packs. I'd be surprised if many do....

[Brother John]

I chose “other” meaning ”none”. Codec packs are mostly useless and potentially dangerous, especially when used by the inexperienced. For playback it’s enough to grab your all-in-one player of choice – MPC Home Cinema, MPlayer, VLC etc. And if you’re into the whole processing stuff it’s an extremely good idea to know exactly what formats you’re dealing with anyway. And then I don’t see the benefit of a codec pack if you can as easily install the 2–3 individual codecs you actually need.

[QBhd]

I never use codec packs.... they are horrible and it's just as easy to install filters as you need them.

QB

[SamuelMaki]

I do not use any codec packs... Best way to ensure you are using the latest decoders and players, is downloading them from the authors site. Basically, all you need is LAV+madVR+mpc-hc and optionally ffdshow, coreavc, potplayer, jRiver Media Center... Simple way to keep yourself tracking updates is to use some sort of "speed dial" via your browser (I use SuperStart in FF) and make all software/decoder sites on it...

[clsid]

A proper codec pack like K-Lite does more than just install a bunch of codecs.
It takes care of important initial configuration, so you can easily use for example both Haali and LAV Splitter together, each for specific formats, without needing to tweaks things yourself.
It rips out the unneeded internal filters in MPC-HC, so it loads faster and you don't have to disable them manually or mess around with external filter settings.
It configures WMP and WMC to recognize various additional file types, should you want to use those players.
It fixes several common codec related problems, such as removing invalid left-over filter references in the registry.
It can be deployed silently, making it easy to install on many computers.

[Sparktank]

The Codec Tweak Tool in K-Lite is handy for configuring all your filters, splitters, etc.
But it can be downloaded separately as well.

The other tools it also installs can be handy as well, like GraphStudio.
Also which can be downloaded separately.

I really like the CTT.

Generally it's easier to get it all in one for me then configure it all once, thoroughly, after it's installed.

[naoan]

Since I like updating only some component regularly (particularly ffdshow which currently has rapid svn release) and keep other already working component intact, I'd rather not use codec pack.