Are codecs safe to use?

[Icy]

I was planning on using the k-lite codec until I stumbled across an article: http://lifehacker.com/5877208/what-are-codec-packs-and-should-i-use-them
Are codecs worth using? or do they cause more problems than solve like this article claims?

 

[yigido]

Use VLC.. Do not think about codecs, it is powerful and open-source This is what I do

 

[BoraMurdar]

I was planning on using the k-lite codec until I stumbled across an article: http://lifehacker.com/5877208/what-are-codec-packs-and-should-i-use-them
Are codecs worth using? or do they cause more problems than solve like this article claims?

Codecs are needed by the system if you want to play/encode/convert/edit some audio or video files with the program that doesn't have the codecs included in their package.

 

[Deleted member 178]

Codecs ? What is this? a new breed of chickens?

 

[rachman]

Are codecs worth using?

if you mean "codec pack", these days I'd say no... as now most of media player can play almost all video/audio format with subtitle. Better install them manually, like madVR for video renderer, etc.

do they cause more problems than solve like this article claims?

possibly yes

 

[Ink]

Codecs are safe, if you download from a trusted and reliable source. However as a PC gaming noob, I have been told some codecs can conflict with some game files. That is one reason I downloaded VLC Media Player portable. I simply drag and drop a video file that Windows Media Player cannot handle (ie. .MVK or .MOV), on to the VLC Interface and the video will play.

 

[Jaffa_Whacka]

I use VLC Media Player and don't use or need any codecs. I also used to use Media Player Classic with ffdshow and had no problems. Also like Huracan said if you get them from a trusted website or source you should be fine.