Codec Woes

[Wings_of_Azrael]

Is there any way to download the WMP 9 codec without having to install the program *shudders* itsself? Also, what do you people think ot be the best/most versative video player? I'm really looking for a way to keep from having to install QuickTime, RealPlayer, ect. and still be able to view pretty much anything I find.

This is probably one of the issues where I think a little conformity (order) would be a good thing. I get pissed every time I hear of yet another codec coming out. DivX, XviD, Quicktime MPEG 4, ISMA MPEG 4, 3ivx, ect. When will they stop making these nearly indistinguishable codecs?

[nasrules]

personally i dont see why u shudder at the thought of wmp9. i no theres been things said about it but it works great, no crashes, looks nice, uses hardly any sys resources. the wma9 format is better than mp3, using half the amount of diskspace for the same quality recording.

[Wings_of_Azrael]

I use Windows ME. If you know of it, then you should understand why I don't wish to upgrade to WMP 9. I have no problems with their audio format, it's supported by all major audio players. I'm sure it's of fine quality, but I have yet to find any worthwhile WMA files.

Anyway, I found the codec I needed burried in Microsoft's website.