Codecs Downloads

Hi. I see that often there are updates available for "codecs". There is usually two different types, each having two or several "variations" of the downloads. My question/s is : how do we know or determine which ones to download/install? The two sets of downloads that I often see are "ADVANCED Codecs for Windows" and "K-Lite Codec Pack", would we need both sets downloaded, or would just one version of either, be enough, and if so, can anyone suggest which would be the better (if one is better than the other) of the two?

Thanks in advance.

 

It depends on your operating system and what you wish to use to replay files.
Those packs, whether Shark007's packs (advanced and standard) or K Lite are so that you can use Windows Media Player for all file types those codec packs include.
If you use an alternative Player such as VLC Media, or Media Player Classic or one of its variants you don't need any codec package.
You definitely should not install two separate different codec packages - one only!

Personally I have been using Shark007's Advanced Codec Pack for years. It is my preferred choice.

 

I apologize for taking so long in replying, but "real life" got in the way. Thank you for your help, Max. I do have and use the media Player Classic, but obviously never realized that I may not need any of these codecs. I had been considering installing VLC Media, since it is a very popular program (from what I have read). But maybe I should leave things as is.

 

Just installing and trying out VLC media player wont interfere or cause any conflict with MPC player, or any codecs you choose to install.