I need a MPEG-2 decoder? What is that?

So I am trying to watch a dvd on my computer and I keep getting an error message saying I need a MPEG-2 decoder. Does anyone know where I can find one. Do you have to pay for them?

 

If you are using Windows Media player and trying to watch a DVD you need a decoder.
Windows does not supply a decoder for DVD's.
You can download 'VLC' or 'Media Player Classic', these are free media players and contain the decoders that you require.

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

 

Awesome! Thanks alot! I'll let you know what happens.

 

ok well I downloaded that VLC thing. I then opened Windows Media Player to play the file and I got this error message...

'Windows Media Player cannot play this DVD because there is a problem with digital copy protection between your DVD drive, decoder, and video card. Try installing an updated driver for your video card.'

 

You're supposed to play the file with VLC.

 

Oh ok I see. Yeah I got it. Thanks so much for your help!