Why WinAmp

BarryTM · 13th October 2005, 07:33

My question is really not technical. I know that WinAmp is a media player, but so is Windows Media Player, and Real One, and probably some others too that I can't think of right now. So my question is, how do you decide which one to use? Does it have to do with what types of files you mostly play, such as MP3, or streaming video, or other formats? Or do you just go with the one you are already familiar with? Or do you need all of them, because perhaps there are some files that only work with one of the players? As you can see I've been confused on this subject, and I am not using WinAmp on my Windows XP computer. I was using Real One, but somehow Windows Media Player seems to have taken over, except for once recently when the file either could only run on Real One or included some code to call up Real One.

siebe83 · 13th October 2005, 07:42

Basically it comes down to personal preference, although some players indeed can play file formats that others don't (and have features that others don't).

Winamp is also different from eg. WMP and RP by virtue of its ability to load plugins: i.e. extra components with extra features (eg. playback support of other file formats). Besides, you can install extra skins, which change the look and feel of the player.

Some helpful Winamp starter links here.

For a comparison of media players, see here.

Some players are more 'complicated' (or advanced) than others, some are just bloated, others are simple but limited. As said, it all comes down to what you need and what you prefer.

BarryTM · 13th October 2005, 09:40

Thanks. Just what I was looking for.

13th October 2005, 07:33	#1
BarryTM Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ashburn, VA Posts: 2	Why WinAmp My question is really not technical. I know that WinAmp is a media player, but so is Windows Media Player, and Real One, and probably some others too that I can't think of right now. So my question is, how do you decide which one to use? Does it have to do with what types of files you mostly play, such as MP3, or streaming video, or other formats? Or do you just go with the one you are already familiar with? Or do you need all of them, because perhaps there are some files that only work with one of the players? As you can see I've been confused on this subject, and I am not using WinAmp on my Windows XP computer. I was using Real One, but somehow Windows Media Player seems to have taken over, except for once recently when the file either could only run on Real One or included some code to call up Real One.

13th October 2005, 07:42	#2
siebe83 Forum King Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 9,229	Basically it comes down to personal preference, although some players indeed can play file formats that others don't (and have features that others don't). Winamp is also different from eg. WMP and RP by virtue of its ability to load plugins: i.e. extra components with extra features (eg. playback support of other file formats). Besides, you can install extra skins, which change the look and feel of the player. Some helpful Winamp starter links here. For a comparison of media players, see here. Some players are more 'complicated' (or advanced) than others, some are just bloated, others are simple but limited. As said, it all comes down to what you need and what you prefer. If you're bored go here or, if the boredom is more serious, here.

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13th October 2005, 09:40	#3
BarryTM Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ashburn, VA Posts: 2	Thanks. Just what I was looking for.