K-Lite Codec Pack.

Original Name: K-Lite Codec Pack.
Webpage: http://www.codecguide.com/about_kl.htm
Latest Version: 5.1.2 (update from 5.1.0)
Available for MAC?: No.
Available for GNU/Linux?: No.

K-Lite Codec Pack is a tool that i had to talk about. You know, when you have made a fresh installation of Windows, or even when you just got a new DVD or a ripped one from a friend and you want to watch it, it's usual to see that message: "Codec not found", and luckily you hear the sound but no image; or the player just crashes. (Yeah, even with VLC) It's then when you just break your head looking for a solution that isn't that easy to find.

Well, that was until codec packs like this one, K-Lite, appeared. It installs selected codecs that have been tested to work, some interesting tools and some filters for better visualization. At the moment, is the best option for getting the latest needed codecs for watching that stuff that you haven't been able to last night. Being like that, each user might need a different thing. Therefore, you have different packages;

- Basic Package - Main codecs that you will need for a regular installation and for some defined view (AVI, MKV, MP4, FLV, OGM, MPEG, MOV, HDMOV, TS, M2TS, and OGG files.): Download.

- Standard Package - Basic Package + your needs for DVD playback and FLAC files. Also, it includes the Media Player Classic, in case of extreme need :P Download.

- Full Package - Standard Package + DirectShow filters and some loss-less audio filters and some other audio codecs. Download.

- Mega Package - Full Package + other few codecs and Real Alternative, your chance to play .rmvb files without that odd Real Player (not freeware). Download. This is probably the best package you can choose.

There are also a couple more of packages, Corporate and for 64 bits; but the first one is like the Full one intended for Corporate enviroments... nothing strange to tell about it. Even though, you can check better all the differences between them here.

Anyway, this is a must-have in those cases of need, even though VLC (that i will talk about on this section sometime later) has many built-in codecs and might be your first choice. In case of doubt, install all what you might need, and forget about playback problems.