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Windows Media Player 11
Price: Free

Features
Performance
Ease of use
Overall

Reviewed By: Mark Wilson

This review updated: 18/12/2006
Featured in magazine:
Issue 151
Manufacturer Contacts:
Supplier: Microsoft
Web Address: www.microsoft.com


Windows Media Player has come a long way in a relatively short time. Although often derided for being bloated, it comprehensively manages even the largest music collections.

One advantage of using this program is the way in which it integrates with Windows – right-click on a media file, or a folder containing media files, and you can send it directly for playing or start creating a playlist. The new streamlined interface means there is less on-screen clutter, and support for skinning will satisfy tweakers. The Library is superbly organised, offering a huge variety of ways to find music fitting certain criteria.

Automatic ripping of CDs on insertion is a useful option, and Media Player does an excellent job of retrieving missing track information and album artwork from the internet. Support for video formats is a bonus, but the program's audio options are simply wonderful.

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