Metropol

Its just the codec your paying for, once you install (for example) Power DVD, then every media player you have will be able to play DVDs. Winamp/WMP/Real/VLC etc.

Your best bet I'd say is to buy the full version of Nero. Not only will that let you burn things etc, but copy them (long as their copyright free) and play standard ones. But as I say, If you did buy and install it, you'd then be able to use pretty much anything on the system to play them.

Couldn't he install VLC and play DVDs? Does that not come with a codec - or am I mistaken?

Bail wrote:Its just the codec your paying for, once you install (for example) Power DVD, then every media player you have will be able to play DVDs. Winamp/WMP/Real/VLC etc.

I have Power DVD. The interface looks a bit horrid when it boots, but I've no complaints about its performance.

vlc works without a codec and works well. the interface isn't anything to write home about, but it's a neat little player with no bloat (you don't even need to install it - it will run straight from a folder).

VLC is what I use. I use to use WinDVD, which I got free from somewhere (can't remember now), and had no trouble with it, but when I got my new laptop, I just stuck with VLC. I saw no need to replace it, as it runs very well and does the job fine.