Music Player

The KMPlayer

Despite lacking a Help file, KMPlayer is one of the most powerful freeware video players we've seen. It includes a vast array of video- and audio-capturing options, as well as skins, a plethora of playback controls and tweaks, and broad DVD support.

You'll have to learn the ropes yourself, perhaps a hindrance to newcomers. But if you're familiar with where things ought to be in programs, and willing to patiently wait for mouse-over labels to pop up and then click on them for the actual menus, KMPlayer has the potential to be immensely rewarding. It supports all major file formats, and all of the minor and obscure ones we tested. It did have problems with the RealPlayer 11's video capture IVR format, but not much else.

Advanced options include frame capture and a frame-forward feature, which is actually a fractional Play button, but the difference is negligible. The Pause button is a fast responder, too. Combined with streaming TV and HDTV compatibility, playlists, and the ability to select which codec is used on a video-by-video basis, and you get a media player that demands attention

Download

Virtual DJ 6.0.1

With effects, samples, and transitions that rival vinyl turntablisms, Virtual DJ lets anyone produce polished MP3 mixes.

At the top of the graphically-intense interface, song-structure visualizations show the beats as the music plays. Two simulated turntables play the currently- loaded tracks. Windows below the turntables show samples, effects, music search, recording, program options, and an Explorer-style interface for loading music. You'll need to download an MP3 encoder if you don't want to record files in WAV format.

Virtual DJ not only can create audio collages, but it now also can make montages of video clips. The stylish interface and high number of features score points, but learning how to use the program is a hit-or-miss proposition. Fortunately, the program offers a thorough user guide. Virtual DJ is well worth a look both for aspiring mixers and newbies. Download

Zoom Player

Zoom Player is a very fast media player. Prior to Zoom Player, playing media files on the PC was either overly simplistic for the Power User or overly cryptic to the common user. Zoom Player tries to both simplify the playback experience for the common user, while giving the Power Users all the tools and interfaces they may require to manipulate their playback environment to their exact specification.

To that end, Zoom Player employs a slick and simple user interface, combined with easy to access features while at the same time providing advanced control dialogs over every feature imaginable.

Zoom Player was designed from the ground up to load quick, take as little system resources as possible, provide user feedback/direction as appropriate and maintain as much isolation from other applications and system components as not to undermine overall stability. Download

Windows Media Player

The de facto standard for Windows media playback is Windows Media Player. This version--11--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. Download

Winamp 5

Winamp 5 features our new Modern Skin that's easier to use and more powerful than ever.Easily access the Media Library (ML), Playlist Editor (PL), integrated Video or Visualizations (Video/Vis Drawer), or the EQ, Skin Options, and Color Themes (Config Drawer) from the Main Window.Includes over 50 color themes that suit nearly every mood or occasion.Winamp 5 carries forward the unobtrusive "Window Shade"

Download

Nero 9

Nero 9 is the next generation of the world's most trusted integrated digital media and home entertainment software suite. It features new cutting-edge functionality that makes enjoying digital media content simple. This easy-to-use yet powerful multimedia suite, gives you the freedom to create, rip, copy, burn, edit, share, and upload online. Whatever you want - music, video, photo, and data - enjoy and share with family and friends anytime, anywhere. With easy-to-use Nero StartSmart command center, your digital life has never been more flexible, feasible, and fun.

Download