[RESOLVED] best freeware multimedia player
Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: [RESOLVED] best freeware multimedia player

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Joplin, MO USA
    Posts
    2,139

    Resolved [RESOLVED] best freeware multimedia player

    In the early stages of building a dedicated HTPC. What is the best free multimedia player for playing ALL the various file formats (DVD's, streaming video, all types and all formats including youtube videos etc.). I'd also entertain recommendations for a commercial product, but it'd have to be both good AND cheap.

    I'm looking for the best catchall product, regardless of my file format or content. I'd obviously like to find just ONE application for this purpose.
    Various Windows and Linux platforms...

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Maryland, USA
    Posts
    17,806

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Arkham Asylum, Cell 13
    Posts
    11,686
    Do you want just an application or a whole HTPC platform? VLC is a good standalone app. XBMC or Plex would be good platform options.

    http://lifehacker.com/5991757/should...ome-theater-pc

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Joplin, MO USA
    Posts
    2,139
    Midknyte I hadn't really considered the option. What are your thoughts on an app vs complete platform? This PC will NOT be used for general purposes... but I can't say I'd never want to surf or do a tangential job online...
    Various Windows and Linux platforms...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Arkham Asylum, Cell 13
    Posts
    11,686
    That's your call. You could still have Windows as the host OS.

    Did you check out the link I posted? That does a much better job of explaining what Plex and XBMC are. Are you getting an IR remote or not? If not, then you could just stick with Windows and VLC.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Joplin, MO USA
    Posts
    2,139
    Midknyte, reading your link now...

    Yes, I'm sure that I'll want an IR remote... I haven't come across any reference yet, how does that decision affect my choices?
    Various Windows and Linux platforms...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Arkham Asylum, Cell 13
    Posts
    11,686
    There are a lot of guides for HTPCs out there. XBMC or Plex would be more IR remote friendly than standard Windows.

    http://lifehacker.com/5936546/how-i-...-for-under-500
    http://lifehacker.com/5935151/the-re...ome-theater-pc

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Joplin, MO USA
    Posts
    2,139
    that's really good info Midknyte, if you had to choose between XBMC or Plex, which would you prefer?
    Various Windows and Linux platforms...

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Arkham Asylum, Cell 13
    Posts
    11,686
    Plex is a fork of XBMC. I think Plex is easier, so you can try that first. If it doesn't do what you want, then check out XBMC.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Maryland, USA
    Posts
    17,806

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Joplin, MO USA
    Posts
    2,139
    Thanks MUCH guys!
    Various Windows and Linux platforms...

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Joplin, MO USA
    Posts
    2,139
    I'm going to have to start checking on LifeHacker before I look elsewhere too... seems I've missed a good resource there...
    Various Windows and Linux platforms...

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Maryland, USA
    Posts
    17,806

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •