Windows Media Player problem with DVDs

[Crewman47]

A couple of months ago (maybe longer) I didscovered that when I go to play a DVD in WMP the menu screens switch from being in colour to black and white. I'm not sure if it's something to what I might have installed or removed as I'm sure they were okay about a year ago and I do have the latest (afaik) version of DivX installed, if that's anything to do with it. At the moment I have version 11 and I've tried rolling back to version 9 and still I have the same problem. As far as I know the menu screens do show okay in at least Real Player and a program called Power DVD (came with computer) and I think there okay in DivX player (need to double check).

Anyone know what the problem could be if it's graphics related or software related. The movies play okay in colour, it's just the menus.

Thanks

 

[USS KG5]

Sounds like an issue with the way WMP is using your installed decoder. It is likely the one that comes with Power DVD is being utilised by WMP for DVDs.

I gotta admit I always use PowerDVD first hand - its a decent little program for DVD playback and performs better than WMP.

 

[LaxScrutiny]

Use the Media Player Decoder Utility and you can change which decoder Media Player uses to playback your DVDs. If you have more than one installed, try switching.

 

[backstept]

if all else fails, try VLC

 

[Rii]

This system invariably locks up if I attempt to play DVDs with WMP. It's likely I could sort it out if I tried, but in truth I can't be bothered and just use VLC instead.

 

[Crewman47]

I'll try the decoder and see how I get on and I'll also check out the VLC player.

Thanks for the help.

 

[USS KG5]

^^^

VLC is extremely good. If anyone ever uses it as the basis for an open source program that allows media libraries and so on it will be a great itunes replacement.

 

[JustAFriend]

The less you use Micro$oft solutions, the less problems you'll have.....

(I agree, download VLC)

 

[Johnny Rico]

Does WMP do anamorphic conversions correctly? 'Cause when I play anything in WMP it looks very non-anamorphic, if you know what I mean. Very anti-aliased.

I have a 1920x1200 widescreen monitor, FYI, if that provides any additional information.

 

[USS KG5]

Does WMP do anamorphic conversions correctly?

I have to admit I find WMP to be a truly atrocious piece of software.