Install Codecs
It is surprising that Microsoft hasn’t provided enough codecs to its media player. As a result, Windows Media Player can only play a handful of multimedia files. To expand its codec library and be able to run all the new and popular file formats, you are required to install tons of codecs. But since Microsoft doesn’t provide those codecs you need to look elsewhere. There are many 3rd party codecs packs available, but K-Lite Mega Codec Pack stands tall amongst all. Once you have installed it, Windows Media Player will automatically start supporting all file formats.
Sync your iPod to Windows Media Player
If you own an iPod, and use Windows Media Player, turns out there is a way to sync them together. Although Apple has put enough encryption, a plug-in named MGTEK dopisp makes it possible for Windows Media Player to recognize your iPod (and vice-versa). You can sync MP3 and MPEG4 files with the help of this plug-in. The plug-in isn’t free, though. You need to pay US$19.95 to buy its license, but there is a 30 days free trial which you can look into.
Enable Song Previews
As your music library grows, it becomes extremely tough to figure which track is which. And if you are not in a mood to click on each track, there is a smarter way to deal with it. You can enable song previews, and it will play the tracks as you hover your mouse over them. To enable this feature, go to Tools (press ‘Alt’ key to see options), click on options. Go to the Library tab and tick on the checkbox which says “Automatically preview songs on track title hover”.
Tune into Internet Radio
Windows Media Player lets you stream radio, but finding where this options are is somewhat puzzling. To turn Internet Radio on, first you need to switch to Library view, and click on Media Guide. It will technically open the built-in browser of Windows Media Player. Once the page has loaded, click on “Internet Radio” pane from the top. You can then sort it by genre and language.
Add Lyrics
Like a web-browser, Windows Media Player lets you install plug-ins on it. MetroLyrics Plug-in can come handy if you want to check the lyrics of the songs you are playing on Windows Media Player. You can download it from the apps section of its website. Once you have installed it, Windows Media Player will automatically detect the song and display its lyrics.
Stream with Windows Media Player
Another lesser known feature of Windows Media Player is that it supports streaming of audio to other devices. (This feature is available in VLC media player as well. Didn’t know that either? Oops.) To turn this feature on, open My Computer (or any explorer window) and put this in the address bar Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center\Media streaming options. And agree with it to enable it. In order to make other devices of your network connect to the Windows Media Player, you need to turn on network discovery. For that, follow this link: Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings and make sure that radio button next to “Turn on network discovery” is on.
Stream across the Web
If you want to take your streaming obsession to the global scale, Windows Media Player does allow it. Click on the Stream button, and select “Allow Internet access to home media”. Although you will be required to use your Live (or Outlook) ID to be able to register for this option. Once done, you can stream your music files from any part of the world.
Add clarity to the streamed videos
The problem with streaming video from the web is that no matter how good your internet connection is, the video will still stutter and keep switching to a lower resolution. To fix it, you can download and install Pixelfusion. It adds the crispiness to the edges, and make the video look sharp. It can even work if you have slow internet connection.
Enable Subtitles
Let’s just say that embedding subtitles on your movies isn’t one of Windows Media Player’s strong suites. Things are even worse if you are using Windows Media Player 12. Anyway, there are many fixes for it. If you have downloaded K-Lite Player, subtitles should work fine for you. Additionally, you can install the free tool DirectVobSub to fix it.
Skin the Library
If you don’t like the way Windows Media Player looks, you can morph a different skin over it. You probably knew about it, anyway. Here is the catch, installing any skin won’t work when you switch over to Library view. To make that happen, close Windows Media Player, and open registry editor. Follow this string: HKEY_CURRENT_USER_\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Preferences. Now locate “LibraryBackgroundImage” and change its default value to anything between 0-5.
