Software will lend XP's Media Player a few needed boosts. The question is: Will you need it?

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When Microsoft rolled out its latest Media Player (MPXP) for Windows XP, many took notice that the application lacked built-in capabilities for encoding MP3 files and decoding MPEG-2 and AC-3 video for DVD playback. To some, not including native support for ripping MP3 files sent a signal that the software giant was favoring (some would say forcing) its own WMA (Windows Media Audio) file format over MP3, which is arguably the most widely used format for copying music to CD-R media. To add insult to injury, Microsoft shied away from offering DVD decoding because the company did not want to pay licensing fees.

Enter InterVideo, a company known for software designed for playing and managing audio and video files. It is supplying MP3 ripping and DVD playback functionality for Windows XP. Called MP3 XPack ($9.95) and DVD XPack ($14.95), the products are available now. These packs are sold separately or together, with the MP3 and DVD XPack being sold for $19.95.

CyberLink also provides an MP3 encoding and DVD playback package which is available now. CyberLinks MP3 Creation Pack for Windows XP is called MP3 PowerEncoder for Windows XP and can be downloaded now for $9.95.

It's possible for companies such as InterVideo and Cyberlink to add MP3 ripping and DVD playback since Windows XP provides the API (application program interface), a group of protocols and building blocks for adding software, to developers. Most operating systems provide an API, which allows programmers to add useful tools while retaining the original application's look and feel. InterVideo uses Microsoft's DirectShow architecture for sharing AV resources like DVD playback and MP3 ripping.

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