Windows Media Player

In the past we covered Windows Media Player 12 extensively and we’ve shown almost anything you can do with it, including changing its looks by using skins. We would like to resume the discussion about this application and share with you some good looking skins you might want to try.

In terms of file compatibility, Windows Media Player 12 is by far the most ecumenical to date. Where Microsoft once tacitly shunned third-party file types - such as Apple’s Quicktime (.MOV) and DivX - it now supports an impressive number of file types out of the box. Still, avid media enthusiasts will occasionally come across a video file type that Windows Media Player 12 can’t handle natively. Luckily, all you’ll need to for the small fraction of video formats that Microsoft chose not to support from the get go, is a handy codec pack. This tutorial will show you how to install the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack, which enables support for virtually every video file type under the sun.

Here at 7 Tutorials, we’ve been slowly but steadily covering all of the features that Windows Media Player 12 brings to Windows 7 users. Windows Media Player has long been a favorite bundled application for organizing, ripping, burning and, of course, playing music, videos and more. Over the years, Windows Media Player has evolved, expanding in complexity and features while simultaneously streamlining its interface towards a more intuitive user experience. In our opinion, Windows Media Player 12 is the best iteration of this long running media library and playback program. After delving into our tutorials, guides and articles below and learning the ins and outs of Windows Media Player 12, we think you’ll agree.

Winamp, iTunes, Doubletwist, Songbird - the list of freeware media library and playback options for Windows 7 users goes on and on. But in spite of the glut of alternatives, Windows Media Player 12 remains a decent default media player in its own right. Sure, there are a few usability features missing, but nothing absolutely critical. And that's what makes Windows Media Player Plus! from BM Productions such a hot download. It reintroduces some of the ease of use from earlier Windows Media Player versions and adds some other tweaks that correct some of the shortcomings of Windows Media Player 12 that, while not exactly deal breakers, may have steered you away initially. With Windows Media Player Plus!, Windows Media Player 12 makes a lot more sense to more users.

Windows Media Player 12 plays video clips and DVDs as well as it does audio files. Video clips in your library will automatically be organized for you and can be played easily with a click of a button. In this tutorial, I'll show how to play imported and downloaded video clips and DVDs.

Windows Media Player 12 has an answer to the iTunes store via its online store browsing capabilities. You can browse Microsoft's own Windows Media Guide to check out free trailers, music videos and singles from top artists directly in Windows Media Player 12. Or you can visit other online content services, such as eMusic and Audible without ever leaving Windows Media Player 12. This capability gives you access to dynamic content, including featured artists, Internet Radio and sneak peaks of box office movies alongside the videos and music saved locally on your hard drive. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to choose a store, browse online stores, download and stream songs and navigate the Windows Media Guide.

In our earlier post, we showed you How to Download, Install and Apply Windows Media Player 12 skins. So, why not give your newfound knowledge a whirl by checking out some of the top 7 Windows Media Player 12 skins that are worth a download? These aren't being by any means the only good Windows Media Player 12 skins, but there are the ones that we enjoy and have installed on our machines. Our tastes may vary from yours, but we chose these skins based on functionality, flashiness and in many cases, pure quirkiness (in a good way). Check 'em out.