Downloads Beta

After about 15 years of reviewing software, it's rare that I’m truly impressed with a program. But impressed I am with KM Player, a very cool little software audio/video player with an extraordinary array of built-in audio and video decoders. You'll have to install Real's player or the free RealMedia Alternative codec to play .rm, .rmvb, etc. files, but it supports nearly everything else natively including Quicktime formats.

With no external DirectShow CODECS installed, I ran the program through my usual battery of files and discs and the results were as follows:

Played
Video: VCD, SVCD, DVD, .avi, .wmv, .mov, Quicktime .mp4, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DivX, Xvid.
Audio: CD, .wav (up to 96kHz/32-bit!), .mp3, .ogg, Nero MP4, .wma, AAC, Apple Lossless, .ape, .flac

Didn't Play
Video: FLV, RealMedia types*, Blu-ray discs, HD DVD discs.
Audio: .VQF, RealMedia types*, SACD.

*After installing the free RealMedia Alternative 1.60, these played as well. The program supports more CODECs I didn’t test. In addition to the array of integrated decoders, KM Player will use any DirectShow CODECs you've installed and there are more playback options and A/V filters than you can shake a stick at. It even supports WDM devices like TV tuners and camcorders, though there's no record function. The interface is handsome, matching the default Vista look and efficient, even if the plethora of options can be daunting at times.

In my limited testing, KM Player was more stable than either or Media Player Classic, and it’s more versatile than even the new Vista Media Player. The interface is both handsome and efficient. I've only scratched the surface in this review, so download this puppy now. If it doesn't quickly become your favorite, I'll be surprised.

--Jon L. Jacobi