any update on best codecs or program to run for media player/center ?

Nevermind codec pack. You only need a nice player like MPC-HC. It will play all that you can throw at it.

If you use Media Browser, you can associate your files to it and it will launch automatically when selecting a file for play.

For Music, MadFlac is the only codec I install on my HTPC. I rip in Flac, which is lossless.

its a player.

Its internal decoders are quite limmited though.
If you want to test this player I suggest you acquire it from my Tools page.
The version offererd there is pre-configured to use the installed codecs instead of the internal decoders.

Its called MPC Homecinema.
I would stay with WMP and Media Center. These both work well when using the Shark007 codecs.

I typo'd and corrected the missing 7
Yes, those are the 32bit codecs you linked to. Be sure you are using a current release(s). At this time, v326 is current.
For 64bit users, there is the x64Components addon to control the codecs used for Media Center playback.
Use of the [x] SUGGESTED settings is a good start for playback of all files except that it does break avi thumbnails.
Upon installation you are taken to the Setup and Usage page. This page will help you setup things like bitstreamed audio etc.

Figures! Last night I moved from 3.15 to 3.25. It never fails that you update right after I find the down time to upgrade.

If you had any problems with subtitles with earlier releases,
v326 will most likely solve those issues.

I just select None for subs.

Well Shark007 as a vested interest in people using his codec pack and branded MPC-HC

But still, after using his codec pack for year I did decide to not install it anymore and go with integrated player like MPC-HC or XBMC. Sorry Shark, but unless one has no control on how his files are created, no one needs a collection of various codecs and whatsnot on their system.

In short, a codec pack is useful for those who download episodes or movies from less than reputable site, but if you rip and encode yourself you tend to use the same few codecs that both VLC and MPC-HC decodes natively.

As for limitation in MPC-HC, I don't know what you mean by that. It does play all the files that I throw at him.

I use VLC most of the time because it will play anything. The SQ is ok but I think there is better. If I can get it to take the video, the WM Player seems tp the best for sound. Keep in mind though, I'm talking about using headphones.

For music only I would go with WinAmp.

Have you read any of my PMs?

Its amazing that you are still trying to answer this question. You have been posting in various threads for days.

No offense.

Come on. This has been explained to you already. Just go into the advance setting of Media Browser config utility, tell it where VLC or MPC-HC is located and what file extension to associate it with.

I think his google button is broken.

The Media Browser configurator...

BTW it is against the rule to talk about pirated stuff on this forum. Most of us rip our own stuff for convenience.

Yes there is "better". Check out JRiver Media Center.
For those that are not real comfortable/knowledgeable on the whole, codec, renderer, player-setup stuff. There is nothing better out there.
JRiver downloads everything and sets up your system for the best possible playback.
The only downside - it costs $49. But there is a free trial period.

And the horrible UI.