CNET Editors' review
The de facto standard for Windows media playback is Windows Media Player. This version--9--is getting up in age and is best used for older systems. The interface is familiar with a simple menu of commands, a central playback window, and an information bar. Standard audio playback functions are easy to access. The graphic equalizer features 22 preset options, and the usual slider bar will be familiar to 1970s rock fans. The large varieties of visualizations are easy to implement and are sure to amuse those who remember the 1960s. Video playback in any of the included skins is adequate. Controls, for the most part, are easy to access, though some skins stretch the concept of user-friendly. Copying to and copying from CDs works, but don't expect most options available from current players. The Internet radio player searches station listings by genre or location. Despite the lack of newer features, users with older systems or those who favor familiar controls will find that the free Windows Media Player 9 fits like an old, sequined glove.
Publisher's Description
From Microsoft:
Windows Media Player allows you to play audio and video files locally stored and streamed from the Internet. It includes a visualizer, a jukebox, a media guide, an Internet radio tuner, a CD burner, and support for countless media formats and various external devices. In keeping with modern trends, Microsoft has added features such as Smart Jukebox technology that features audio CD burning with volume leveling. Windows Media Player can automatically organize your media files, even if you move them around. You can rate each song you play or let the program assign ratings based on the number of times each song is played, then create playlists of your favorite music. Another feature, Auto Info, can automatically fix or add album details (tags) to your MP3 and WMA files such as artist or album name, year, composer, or track number. Additionally, you can toggle between a full-screen interface and a miniplayer mode that docks the player to your taskbar.
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All versions:
3.3 starsout of 309 votes
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Current version:
3.3 starsout of 309 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Pretty good!"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
Easy to use for first timers
Cons
There is alot that it will not play
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"outdated software"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
those visualizations that the editor talked about
Cons
can play only 4-5 formats, doesn't support the rest
Summary
this software is an absolute joke. saying "you use windows media player" is the biggest insult on planet earth.
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"This is the best version of WMP-better than WMP 11/12."
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
WMP 9 is bundled with all editions of Windows XP. I have Windows XP netbooks and I have found WMP 9 to be nicer in appearance and much more customisable than WMP 11 or 12. So I have never upgrade to WMP 11 on Windows XP. I have kept the default version WMP 9.
Cons
Does not install or run on Windows 7 or Windows Vista. It only works on Windows XP.Try to install on Windows Vista and Windows 7 and Windows will not let you install it-it blocks this version.So only Windows XP users can run this version.Does not play FLV or MPEG4 files but WMP 11 and WMP 12 does not either. So you need to install VLC player or another player to play those file types.But will play all other files.
Summary
Windows Media Player 9 is the best version of Windows Media player. As it is more customisable than the later versions,WMP 11 and 12. Will play most files except for MPEG4 and FLV but that is not a WMP 9 issue as WMP 11 and 12 does not play MPEG 4 and FLV files either. But you can use VLC or Gom to play MPEG and FLV files.Windows Media Player is a basic player,all of the versions are,even WMP 12. But this version,WMP 9 has a lot of skins and ways to customise the player that have been taken out of later versions. This is also better than WMP 10 or 11. WMP 9 also come bundled with Windows Media player 6.4-type mplayer 2 in run command to find it. And Windows Media Player 6,4 is fully functional like WMP 9 is. So you have got 2 players in one.So don't upgrade to WMP 10 or 11 stay with this-Windows Media player 9. Windows 7 and Windows Vista users are out of luck though. As you won't be able to run WMP 9 on Windows 7 or Windows Vista. So Windows Vista and Windows 7 users are stuck with WMP 11 or 12,with no option to roll back or downgrade. Unfair but true.Andrea Borman.
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"I LIKE MEDIA PLAYER OVER REAL TIME PLAYER ANYDAY!"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
I LIKE MEDIA PLAYER OVER REAL TIME PLAYER ANYDAY! Real-Time & iTunes player's ok for some apps., but I enjoy having 2 or 3 album songs (of my 86) displayed at once w/surround sound. NO PROBLEMS.....YET.
Cons
NO PROBLEMS.....YET. I have windows XP-Prof. 2002 Dell Optiplex GX-270 SP-3....and still, no problems. I really like this Windows Media Player.
Summary
I defragged and cleaned up computer, it took away my Media Player as seldom used item. Didn't realize HOW MUCH I MIED it till it was GONE. Immdiately shut down, hit a restore point and retrieved it (and 86 albums downloaded)....now, Media Player rips directly to my external upon CD loading. THAT will NEVER happen again.
~Pat in El Cajon, CA. (east of San Diego) -
"This is excellent"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
Easy to use and does the job
Cons
There are none
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"Works with windows 7 after hacking"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
easy to use simple
Cons
must be hacked with reshacker to work on windows 7
Summary
Best media player out there.
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"No Work XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
None XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cons
Won't load XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Summary
Won'tload XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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"media player utilities"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
it could player all movies and videos and mp3, it`s great program
Cons
windos can`t work without ,and i can`t save the editional movies , and the update dosn`t complete , and dosn`t work without codec in most dvds
Summary
with this program i could contol the movies colour and doing my own relate, and the best sound of music kind by choose equlizer
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"cnet is a spam machine"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
none,,,,,,,,,,
Cons
cnet reminds you to download programs that ARE NOT programs currently installed on your computer.
spammSummary
cnet is a spam machine
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"Best version of Windows Media Player"
Version: Windows Media Player (Windows XP) 9
Pros
This version (on my 19 inch monitor) 35 songs viewable on the screen to allow me to view the most for music listening or choosing for a recording session.
Cons
None that I know of - have never had the experience of something NOT working.
But I'm confused on this day (Aug. 16, 2010) why my 320KBPS newly acquired songs when transferred to this player became on average 220KBPS.Summary
When I installed the newer version of Windows Media player, I forget which one, I noticed immediately my DISLIKE for the cosmetic appearance. There was so much space with - to me - useless information that I was only able to actually see 15 songs - with the same font size - on the screen in viewer my view to select. The spacing between song titles was taken up with a picture of album art. And I could not find anywhere the ability to customize what I see on the screen to my liking - meaning simply I want to see as many titles as possible WITHOUT having to SCROLL! Microsoft what are you thinking?!!! Emphasis should be on the list please!
Bells & whistles are for children or the simple minded or if you find this insulting - they should have at least RESPECTED that people are different SOOOOO with that in mind should have designed it for the masses - not for the person sitting at the creation desk.
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