Windows Media Player for Windows - Setup Guide
From Benchmark
Benchmark's guide for configuring Windows-based media players
General strategies for setting up your computer for high quality audio playback
Contents |
Overview
Windows Media Player (WMP) has extremely inconsistent behavior. Several issues have arisen among users, several of which remain unresolved. There is very little information available from Microsoft about the operation of this software. The information in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of this printing. When further information is confirmed, this article will be updated appropriately.
Operation
If Windows Media Player does not stream audio to the appropriate output device, try restarting Windows Media Player. If this does not resolve the problem, open the following menu:
Tools -> Options -> Devices -> Speakers -> Properties -> Sound Playback
Choose the appropriate output device in this menu.
New info on Windows Media Player 12
Windows Media Player 12 (WMP12), which is only available on Windows 7 at the time of this writing, has some interesting qualities:
- WMP12 can now play 24-bit audio files
New info on Windows Media Player 11
Recent tests with Windows Media Player 11 (WMP11) have brought to light some interesting qualities:
- WMP11's volume control outputs (un-dithered) 16-bits with 'Library' playback
- WMP11's volume control outputs 24-bits with HDCD playback
- WMP11's volume control outputs 24-bits with playback of 24-bit audio files
This means that the volume control will cause distortion with 16-bit playback. It is recommended to keep the volume control at 100% for 16-bit audio playback.
Overview: Windows Media Player 10
*this article was researched using Windows Media Player 10. Some information in this article may not apply to different versions of this software, though most information can be applied to most versions of Windows Media Player. Email us to report any errors or discrepancies, or if you would like more information on this topic.
Of all players tested, had the best Volume Control performance, with very low distortion figures. It was able to follow the sample rate correctly, allowing for conversion-free streaming audio. Windows Media Player did have some troubles with 24-bit audio, as it would only play it on certain 24-bit capable hardware, and would not play at all on 16-bit hardware.
Recommended Player Settings
- SET VOLUME TO 100%
- This volume control can be used in moderation without seriously affecting the quality of the audio. We recommend using an analog volume control (post D-to-A conversion) instead, as it will result in the best signal-to-noise ratio.
- Read more about digital volume control, and how it affects the quality of your audio.
- BYPASS ALL AUDIO PLUG-IN'S AND AUDIO 'ENHANCEMENTS'
- Plug-in's should be bypassed by default, but to make sure, go to the plug-in menu uncheck any active plug-in's. Also, in this menu, choose 'Other' and make sure no Plug-In's are checked. The menu can be found by going to:
Windows Media Player -> View -> Plug-ins -> Options -> Plug-ins -> Audio DSP
- Audio enhancements should be bypassed. Open the "Enhancements" window and scroll through to make sure each one is turned off. The menu can be found by going to:
View -> Enhancements -> Show Enhancements
- Read more about how DSP and plug-ins affect your audio
Known Problems
- Will not play 24-bit audio
- As mentioned above, Windows Media Player was not able to play 24-bit audio files without a third-party plug-in/codec.
Articles about Computer Audio Setup
For more articles about specific media players and/or operating systems, see the Category:Setup Guides list of guides.
