Because Windows Media Player comes pre-installed with Windows operating systems, many people use it by default, without considering other media players and the benefits they can offer. There are so many features available with various media players that you will probably decide you need more than one to cover all your needs.

Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player (WMP) is a much more competitive media player than it has been in the past. Serious restrictions for WMP users included, for many years, no support for the ripping of CDs in mp3 or wav formats (only the proprietary wma, wmv and asf file types were possible). WMP offers audio, video and image playback, and is capable of local playback, streaming playback and progressive downloads. Codecs for any media can be installed. WMP11 features disk spanning when burning CDs, integrated web browsing to search online stores, and a search bar similar to Mac's Spotlight, which shows results as you type.

If you use WMP, you must make sure you've got the latest version of WMP11 (unless you're not a Windows user, in which case, you can probably expect WMP9 at best for at least the next few months) – WMP has been known to have security leaks so latest versions are preferable. Versions of WMP are available for various mobile devices. WMP does allow syncing with some mp3 players, but not with the Apple iPod.

The Bottom Line: WMP11 is mostly an improvement on previous versions, designed increasingly like Apple's iTunes. The software is best suited to users who wish to organise their mp3 library through their media player.

iTunes

iTunes is Apple's media player offering, now available for in up-to-date versions for Windows platforms as well as OS X. One of its best features is its podcast browser, which allows users to browse and choose to download all sorts of podcasts, including paid and free downloads. iTunes also has integrated access to the iTunes Music Store, where users can buy mp3s.

Another good feature of iTunes is its smart playlists, which are essentially dynamic search queries which update in realtime. For example, you may have a smart playlist which lists all the music by a particular artist, in a certain genre, or which was last played on a specified day. iTunes has a very clean, minimal look and feel which WMP11 is clearly modelled on.

One shortcoming of iTunes is that you will need to download extra software if you would like to be able to retrieve music from your iPod onto your hard drive. Also, whilst it allows syncing with some other mp3 players, the support is slightly limited in comparison to the support for the iPod. Third party software is available to allow syncing with more other mp3 players.

For Mac users, iTunes' tight integration with Front Row and iWork applications make it invaluable. There is also a screensaver on OS X which features album artwork from iTunes.

The Bottom Line: Again, iTunes is perhaps best for users who want to organise their music library as well as play their songs. The podcast browser is a great feature, and this is certainly good software for Mac users and iPod owners, although its value to other users is somewhat reduced.

VLC Media Player

VLC's most unusual feature is its ability to play incomplete, unfinished or damaged media files (such as files still downloading using eMule or BitTorrent). Another benefit of VLC is its DVD playback capabilities, and its ability to use a playing video as a desktop wallpaper. VLC supports all codecs, and has a selection of filters which can distort, rotate and split videos, among other effects, as well as outputting a video as ASCII art.

It is also possible to integrate VLC with several other applications. VLC provides a NPAPI plug-in for Firefox and Safari which allows users to view some embedded WMP and QuickTime files without having the proprietary plug-ins. Some users argue that its streaming capabilities are unparalleled.

VLC is extremely platform-independent: it is available for Windows, OS X, GNU, Solaris and others. It is open-source.

The Bottom Line: VLC is invaluable for anyone using BitTorrent software, because of its ability to play incomplete files. Its multi-platform availability also sets it apart from many mainstream media players.

RealPlayer

RealPlayer has faced considerable criticism for various reasons. Firstly, its intrusive advertising continues into the current version, RealPlayer 10, which runs a "message centre" (read "music advertising page") on start-up. Although it is possible to turn off RealPlayer's pop-up messages, some versions of the software turn them back on again without the user's permission. RealPlayer has also been criticised for its irritating command of the system Wave volume control – if the volume in RealPlayer is changed or muted, this affects the system volume.

Unfortunately, RealPlayer is the only option for streaming media on some websites (especially if you are not a Windows user and the only alternative is Windows Media Player), so you will probably need to download it regardless of its frustrations.

The Bottom Line: In 2006, PC World Magazine placed RealPlayer at #2 in its list of the 25 worst products of all time.

Other Media Players

BS.Player – The best features of this proprietary software are its DivX and video playback abilities. The software is able to take screen captures and has command-line and drag-and-drop support. The pro version gets rid of the adware and adds some extra features, including a customisable equaliser and support for Flash playback. Windows only.

Quintessential Player – Very popular as software for ripping and burning CDs, and managing and playing mp3 libraries. Freeware, Windows only.

Winamp – Good video and audio support, and lots of customisable plug-ins and skins. There is a paid upgrade to a pro version available. Multi-platform, including Windows, Linux and possibly OS X (for Intel Macs).

By Helena Henderson

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