Within Windows

“Third party applications can use the Microsoft codecs or their own” thats the problem, the do not say WMP or 7MC. There should not even be code to block other codecs, it should just be merit based like it always has been

Some people are guessing that although it will still be possible to install 3rd party codecs, those will not be able to replace pre-installed codecs.

This would possibly make sense as 3rd party “codec packs” and software are notorious for breaking playback to the point of needing a Windows reinstall. (Happened to me once and to people I know after installing a commercial DVD playback program).

Of course, this would be a shame in cases where a custom codec for a factory supported format provides lesss CPU-intensive decoding or better picture quality for example.

I don’t share your optimism : it is not surprising that microsoft wants to get rid of the many bug reports related to the use of codec packs or some comercial products that break the playback.
And their announcement rather confirms what I found. This is the reason why all this buzz might be useful, as long as it is in beta, but I fear that this is already too late

Also wmp 12 still starts with interrogating the directshow engine before switching to media foundation, the thing is that the connection of the dshow filter is aborted in the midle when a microsoft media foundation filter exists for the input format.m

It would be great to be able to choose which codecs are default – I often find that I need to install a codec pack to enable playback of a video that isn’t supported by Windows (even in Windows 7), but I don’t like the thought of the pack overriding the native codecs, for DVD decoding for example.

@jolbert

not that anyone’s interested in using these or anything:
- internet streaming from your own PC built right in
- play to other media devices

from some wierd tech blog:
“Though WMP12 is very similar to WMP11, it’s nonetheless a very compelling advance. Rather than ignoring the success of iTunes and the use of non-Microsoft video formats, Microsoft has acknowledged this reality and decided to make WMP work as well as it can with them. This attitude represents a hugely refreshing change from the software giant’s past behavior, and WMP is greatly improved as a result. The situation is similar to that with the Windows Live Essentials, where interoperability is a key long-term objective. This is good for consumers, and it will prove to be good for Microsoft. Long may it continue.”

WMP12′s UI is a disaster. Switching between “Now playing” and “library” is a PITA because the button doesn’t appear in the same place so you constantly have to move your point up and down to switch. Such a simple UI thing, MS can’t get?

If one is going to start a rumor in order to “damage” Microsoft (or whatever), at least make it believable….

If the block stays it was done for a good reason and that is the infamous “codec packs” you’ve all heard of them or seen someone promote them but they often do a good deal of damage to windows stability by including incompatible, duplicates, out of date codec etc. (one of the MS guys at Doom9 hinted this is the cause)

With the WMP codecs protected no longer can these codec packs over-ride decoding duties for natively supported formats and cause WMP,WMC or Windows itself to crash from that. Third parties can still tie in their codec into WMP (no-one ever bothers).

It’s basically a balancing act do you allow a small group of people who use a third party codec with Windows media player & media center to continue or annoy them by ensuring windows and media player deliver a more stable experience.

That is the only way to fight the codec packs because the people who promote them only tend to have half a clue and wont stop.

Microsoft made the right decision as far as I’m concerned, as most people who know better that players like MPC-HC or VLC have the codecs integrated into them and do not require such packs. The only sore point is that Microsoft need to keep the codecs for WMP/WMC updated in terms of compatibility as that will soften the blow for those power users who used WMP/WMC.

Codecs not natively supports by WMP/WMC are not affected.

Ahahaha, quality.

Codec packs break playback. That’s gooooooooooooooooooood one.

How many video formats Windows can decode on itself? Wait, what you say, none*?

Also, it’s horrible news – Microsoft is trying to pull exactly what it did with web browsers and internet in general to video viewing. Except, with internet browsers, you’re at least allowed to install Firefox/Opera and use it as your default browser. With video files in WMP 12 (and every application that depends on it for video playback) – tough luck.

Those thundering cunts at Redmont cannot be even arsed to add multicore support to *their* very own wmv decoders and they should be allowed to force universal AVC decoder (or xvid/divx) on the world?!

*except for mpeg2 and wmv…

I just tried this with the Windows 7 RC 7100 32bit with the latest 32bit Xiph filters and my OGGs played fine. Maybe this was an issue in the pre-RC post-beta random version you were using… ? Does it work for you with the RC?