Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
WinAmp 5.3 took some long-needed steps to improve the old-school media player, with support for AAC encoding, CD burning, and a robust file-management system. WinAmp 5.56 ups the ante with strong support for portable devices, including iPods, the ability to sync non-DRMed files to your PC from your device, an optional new interface layout and a built-in browser for media discovery.
We liked that clicking on an artist's name will get you related headlines and Web sites in a separate pane. There's also Podcast support, device synchronization that lets you tweak the sync list while in progress, and continued support for AOL's excellent Shoutcast. The new Bento layout is worth mentioning, too, because it gets the venerable llama away from the old modular format. The joined panes for the browser, media player, artist list, album list and more make WinAmp instantly more visually appealing. There's also an Auto-Tag feature, which will download metatags from the Gracenote database, and Winamp's proprietary music scrobler called Orgler, with links back to AOL Music.
If you want MP3 encoding and full-speed CD burning, you have to shell out $19.95 for the Pro version. However, there are other problems. Automatic album art download support is spotty at best. More importantly, there are some stability issues when playing videos, and occasional program crashes were far more common than they should be.
WinAmp 5.56 is no iTunes killer--not yet. It has become, however, a strong alternative and should be of interest to those looking for something with more meat on its bones. Llama meat, that is.
Winamp - Play audio and video files - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Nullsoft:
Winamp is a free multimedia player made by Nullsoft. It supports numerous audio and video formats. It also plays streamed video and audio content, both live and recorded, authored worldwide. It has an extremely customizable media library, and allows you to rip and burn your favorite music CDs. Winamp has thousands of skins and plug-ins that allow you to change the look-and-feel of the player, as well as add new features. The player also has access to thousands of free songs, videos and online radio stations from SHOUTcast Radio and AOL Radio with XM.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,496 votes
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Current version:
3.4 starsout of 16 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Still one of the best for sorting, playing, updating."
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
Does all that one needs to to listen, sort, update, find lyrics, find album art.
Cons
To many darn windows open up when searching audio.
Hard to sync up album art, multiple jpgs.
It is better to use Google Image finder and paste art in your album folder, than use their 'find cover art' option.Summary
Still one of the best for sorting, playing, updating meta.
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"2 thumbs up"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
very easy to use, sounds real good even w/o dfx enhancer
Cons
so far no complaints
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"the best mediaplayer, because of its simple usage"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
easy usage and simple tweaking
Cons
none that I encountered
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"Great player!"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
Plays most any song and sounds fantastic!
Cons
I have no negative feedback for this application.
Summary
This is a great free program!
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"Works great for my needs!"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
I use it to play my music - mostly mp3's. Works like a champ.
Cons
non for what I use it for.
Summary
an excellent free music player.
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"Excellent Player"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
usefull Player...
Cons
confused addons...
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"Messed up computer graphics and IE"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
None that I know of.
Cons
It made my browser, in Internet Explorer, bounce constantly. My computer was very unstable and kept crashing.
Summary
Don't use this product with Windows 7 & IE9, if you like your computer.
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"Best free media player"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
Great interface, every detail is present right where u need it. The mp3 file tags are well organized & lots of info to add to it.
Cons
None so far but i have'nt tried all the features.
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"good video player"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
easy app to run
Cons
need to open app prior to streaming video
Summary
only video player I found that streams Monmouth Park Race Track horse racing at good sound, video and full screen
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"Does not burn CDs"
Version: Winamp 5.621
Pros
The last two versions have shown versitility, and excellent properties
Cons
The last two versions give preparation errors, and fail to burn CDs. Errors are from one to all files, and those files do not burn. I use .mp3 file, and have WinampPro. Version 5.61, and earlier had worked beautifully.
Summary
Excellent player with problems when burning CDs. Reports have been unanswered, but many people have had my problem, and rolled back to v.5.61
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