Anime-Direct.com - Getting Started Guide

Getting Started Guide - Part 3

Quick links [ The options | MPlayer | VLC | Combined Community Codec Pack | Common problems ]

Playing video files. After you download the files you'll want to watch them. Depending what's installed on your computer you may need to install a new video player. Players such as Windows Media Player, Real Player, Winamp, and others are not recommended. They rely on decoding software, know as codecs, already installed on your computer. Since these, and other players, rely on what is preinstalled on your computer they have compatibility issues. What works on one person's computer may not work on another. We recommend the following three players. They have the decoding software built into them, it does not rely on what's installed on your computer. Anyone using the players we recommend should be able to play the files we host, no matter how your computer is setup. The following players are free, have no spyware, adware, or other security issues. They are highly trusted, open source, video players.

VLC - VLC is one of the easiest players to use. It has a good interface and has versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux. We highly recommend VLC for most of our users.
MPlayer - MPlayer does not need to be installed or configured. Its interface is simply, but lacks features. It makes a good backup player.
Combined Community Codec Pack - CCCP has a huge number of features and options. It is recommended for hardcore users who want every option available. If all you want to do is click and watch you most likely will be better off with VLC.

Using VLC VLC has a good, easy to use, interface. It players, AVI, MKV, and MP4 files. It is updated often, so if you have any problems with it please make sure you're using the most recent version.

Download VLC. You can get the newest version from VLC's home page.
Install VLC. Don't worry, there's no spyware or adware, and it's totaly free.
Run VLC and select "File" then "File Open..." next click the "browse" button and select the file. Lastly, click OK and the file should begin playing.

Using MPlayer MPlayer requires no setup or configuration, it doesn't even need to be installed. The downside is that it's interface lacks many features. It's a good player to share with your friends.

Download MPlayer. We have made a zip file for our users; it containing MPlayer, codecs, and a GUI. You can download it here.
Unzip the contents of the folder and double click "MPUI.exe". No installation is required.
To play a file select "file" then "Play File..." select the file and enjoy.

More information about MPlayer can be found here. The version we offer is for Windows only, Mac and Linux users can download their versions from MPlayer's website, or use VLC.

Using Combined Community Codec Pack Combined Community Codec Pack is a prepackaged set of codecs, filters, and players. It comes with two players that work alongside the filters. It's a little harder to install and configure than VLC or MPlayer, it's recommended for users who want more control over what players. After being installed it will allow Windows Media Player to play most AVI files.

Before you install CCCP it's recommended that you uninstall any codecs or codec packs that may be installed on your computer. After they have been uninstalled be sure to reboot your computer. If you don't know what we're talking about, then chances are you haven't installed any codec packs and you don't need to do anything.

Once your computer is ready go ahead and download Combined Community Codec Pack. During installation it will have several configuration pages, it's best to leave everything at the default option unless you know what you're doing. Once it is installed run Windows Media Player Classic, it comes packaged with it, from there you should be able to load just about any video file.

If you need help using CCCP the team that created it has also made a massive instalation, FAQ, and trouble shooting guide.

Common Problems.

The file has no Video: This normally happens if you try and play the file within Windows Media Player ( Windows' default player for AVI files ). Please download one of the above players and use them instead of WMP. Or install Combined Community Codec Pack, it will install the needed codecs and filters to allow Windows Media Player to play most AVI files, but it will not be able to play MP4 or MKV files.
The file has no sound - Same as above.
The MKV file has no subtitles - MKV files use what's known as "soft subs" that can be turned on and off, like on a DVD. If you don't see any subtitles it's because they are not turned on. If you're using MPlayer, select "Options" then "Subtitle Tracks". If you're using VLC, select "video" then "Subtitle Tracks".
The file's video glitches up or crashes the player - This is normally caused by using an old codec and Windows Media Player. Make sure your codecs are up to date, and if that still doesn't work try using MPlayer or VLC.
I want to use Windows Media Player - If you want to use WMP you can install Combined Community Codec Pack it will install two other players, but also install the needed codecs to allow Windows Media Player to play most AVI files. But, Windows Media Player will still not be able to play MP4 or MKV files, to play those files you'll need to use MPlayer, VLC or the players that come with CCCP.

Done? Then go to the next lesson - Part 4