Is DTS Better Than AAC? Why That Is the Wrong Question
Why DTS and AAC are not really rivals, and what to do when your TV refuses to play a DTS track.
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Guides for Codecs and Media Players
257 guides on codecs, media players and the tools around them.
How to Play MKV Files on Windows 11 (and Why Some Refuse)
Windows opens MKV on its own, so when one refuses to play the fault is a track inside it - here is how to find which one and fix it.
How to Register and Unregister DLL and AX Codec Filter Files
The one command that installs a DirectShow filter on Windows, plus the elevation and 64-bit rules that stop it working.
What Is a Codec? The Plain-English Guide
What a codec actually is, why everything you watch is compressed, and whether you still need to install any.
Codecs vs Containers: Why Your Video File Won't Play
A plain-English guide to the difference between codecs and containers, and how to work out which one is stopping your file from playing.
Best LAME MP3 Settings for Music, Podcasts and Audiobooks
One table of LAME VBR settings for music, podcasts and audiobooks, and where to enter them in LameXP, winLAME, Audacity and CDex.
FLAC Explained: Play, Convert and Archive Lossless Audio
The lossless format explained in plain terms, with the players that handle FLAC out of the box and the free encoders worth using to build an archive.
How to Burn an ISO to DVD With ImgBurn
The five steps that burn an ISO to disc correctly in ImgBurn, plus the write speed setting that quietly causes most failed discs.
MPC-BE vs MPC-HC in 2026: Which One Should You Install?
A 2026 comparison of MPC-BE and MPC-HC, two actively maintained free Windows players, and which one suits your files.
Is Nero Still Worth It? The Free Tools and What Beats Them
Nero hands out four free programs and sells the rest, so here is which ones are worth installing and which free rival does the same job better.
Convert Audio with foobar2000 - FLAC to MP3 and More
Both foobar2000 conversion routes - Quick Convert for a fast one-off, the full Converter for folder structure and presets, plus the encoders MP3 output needs.
How to Play FLAC Files in Windows Media Player
Which Windows versions play FLAC in Media Player without a codec, which ones need one, and how to fix a library that files every album under Unknown Artist.
How to Play HEVC Files in VLC Media Player
The complete VLC setup for H.265 video, from hardware acceleration to fixing choppy 4K playback, green screens and audio that drifts out of sync.
How to Install FFmpeg for Audacity
The two-minute fix for Audacity refusing to open M4A, WMA and AC3 files, including what to do when it cannot find the FFmpeg library.
MPEG-1 vs MPEG-2 vs MPEG-4: What the Difference Actually Is
A plain-English map of the MPEG family, from MPEG-1 and MP3 through DVD-era MPEG-2 to MPEG-4, H.264, HEVC and the .mp4 container itself.
Don't Open a .xmpeg File Before Reading This
What a .xmpeg file really is, why the Efimer Trojan uses the extension as bait, and how to check or delete one without infecting your PC.
'Get This App From Play Store' Error on Android - How to Fix
A plain-English fix for the Android error that lets an app install and then refuses to let it open.
The 3 Most Popular Video Codecs Used Worldwide in 2026
A plain-English look at the video codecs that actually carry the world's video in 2026, and which one you need installed on your PC.
StaxRip vs HandBrake: Which Free Video Encoder Should You Install?
A straight comparison of StaxRip and HandBrake, covering what the two free encoders actually share, where they really differ, and which one fits your machine.
FFmpeg vs Adobe Media Encoder: Which One Should You Actually Use?
A practical comparison of FFmpeg and Adobe Media Encoder, with real commands, real subscription costs, and the free middle option most people actually want.
Latest comments
AllInteresting development with the Fire TV Stick 4K — losing Kodi sideloading is a big deal for a lot of users. For those ...
News: The New Fire TV Stick 4K Can't Run Kodi - Here's Which Fire Stick Still Can 3 commentsThanks genius, it worked for me. v2.4.149.0 on windows 10
Guide: How to Download HEVC Video Extension for Free 181 commentsXMediaRecode gives only the option to Copy (No convert) in Audio Mode drop down. I am trying to convert/recode the EAc3 ...
Team replied Guide: How to Convert EAC3 Audio to AC3 or AAC With XMedia Recode 1 comment