Safe codecs?

Hi

Please can anyone recommend a safe codec pack? I'm looking at being able to play AVI & MP4 videos. I am currently using Shark007 but am concerned that Prevx picks it up as unsafe.

 

I would suggest not installing codec packs, as they cause all sorts of weird problems on some setups. Instead, use a player capable of playing media without external codes, like VLC player.

If you for some reason must use codecs, I have used K-lite codec packs without big problems, so I'd recommend them. Switched to VLC few years ago though and didn't look back.

 

I would suggest CCCP over VLC. The actual image quality will just be higher.

http://www.cccp-project.net/

and configure it with MADVR

I used VLC for a while. IF you want something super simple it works fine.

 

Thanks for your replies. I will try both K-lite & CCCP.

 

Also http://haali.su/mkv/ - Haali splitter works with direct shows existing decoders to enable more container formats to be supported.

 

avoid the klite "mega: packs though the standard or at most full is plenty. also cccp does work well also

 

I have used CCCP in the past with no problems.

 

Windows 7 Codecs
-shark007.net/-

 

+1.

 

I have been using K-Lite Mega codec pack for years and only had a problem when 7 was just released but they have fixed all of the issues, It is best to use the Media Player Clasic that comes with the codec pack to play just about any video file all types. then you can use your Media Player 11 or 12 to play DVDs and music....

Offical K-lite Codec Pack site, I wouldnt trust no other...

http://www.codecguide.com/


I have tried shark and cccp codecs but they didn't even come close to Klite Mega pack...

 

-1

Sorry about your issues... I guess if you install codecs on an infected system or a clutter bomb HardDrive, or you go and tweak settings you know nothing about you may run into some issues....

Just read everything during installation, make sure to choose your file types you would like to associate with your MP ect....

 

Included in K-Lite Mega Codec Pack

 

AVI & MP4 videos can be played on Windows 7 WITHOUT any codec pack.

http://www.7tutorials.com/play-any-video-format-windows-media-player-12

Anyway to avoid the codec packs hassle you can try LAV Filters.

 

One of the problems with A/V software is the number of false-positive detections they tend to generate.
I wouldn't know, but it's very possible that's all that's going on between Prevx and Shark007.

I use FFDShow, K-Lite Mega, QT Lite, and Real Alternative, and I've been using all four of those for years. It's the extremely rare media file that I'm not able to play.
The problem with K-Lite is that if you're going to do a custom install, you've got a ton of choices to make, and so need to understand some basics of codecs in order to make proper selections.

There are a ton of configuration options with FFDShow, too. But even the default installations with those two will allow you to play the majority of media files.

The MPC player has become too buggy over the years for my tastes and I no longer use or install it. MPlayer and KMPlayer are the two I like, and I go with Winamp for .mp3 audio files.

But the simplest thing for you may be to find out why Prevx is alerting on Shark007, and if it's a FP, ignore it.

 

I stopped using codec packs. Instead i just use a player that has all codecs built in like PotPlayer (the KMPlayer successor).

 

@ABee

Thanks for the info. I did chase Prevx about the Shark007 codecs & the Prevx techs were definite that it was suspect.

 

A 'definite suspect', eh? Techs are always so technical.

Here's an old Wilder's thread, fwiw:

https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=259318

I don't know that codec pack, myself.

 

Hi, can you tell what is the disadvantage of using VLC player instead of codecs?

Also what is missing in standard k-lite as compraed to its mega pack?

Thanks a lot

 

So what is the conclusion, is it safe to use Shark007? I've used them for years, how would that affect my system being suspect?

 

My last infection was by like 10 years ago . Also, no tweaking or other things like that. I'm a gamer so my opinions come from using software which requires all areas to work properly. Codecs have caused some issues with several games, so I have chosen to not use them. Following the KISS principle is what I always advice - If you don't need it, don't install it. Codecs are system-wide thing, it's not like you'd install some greenware application which doesn't interfere with anything else.

 

I completely agree with Spysnake on this.

 

I think that Prevx are quite correct in calling this suspicious.

I remembered something dodgy the last time I tried it,so i did a test install of Vista Codec Pack on a VM:

Hidden away in the smallprint of the EULA is your consent to install either the Ask or Bing toolbar,this isn't optional (or visible in the wizard).

There then comes a visible & optional install of Weatherbug (although pre-checked you can opt out).

After install there's some nice bundled crapware in IE,highly deceptive IMO.

 

I've been using the Vista Codec Package for quite a while and although I saw the thing about the Ask or Bing toolbar, I don't have either of them after the install. What kind of IE crapware did you get? I opened IE to check and there's nothing I can see.

 

IMO, the Shark007 codecs are quite good but AFAIK, they do contain the Bing Bar installer and there is no opt-out when the Shark007's codec is installed.

It's my understanding that Shark007 is home bound and this is an attempt at him supporting himself. While I greatly respect his goal, I strongly think it's wrong to give no option to opt-out. He has offered a couple of registry tweaks that prevent the Toolbar installation but IMO, this is a very poor substitute for leaving out the option to opt-out (because many users would not look for the registry entries are or not understand why they are needed.)

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=220129

http://shark007.net/forum/Thread-So-BingBar-installs-automatically-now?pid=11444#pid11444

 

Shark007 codecs bundled with bing/search enhancement toolbar which can be unchecked during installation. I don't know why their is any fuss? Bundled toolbar is optional. I am using his codecs on both XP and 7 without any toolbar for last 6 months.