i think this guide is not bad . If you are in to videos and have some trouble it can be helpful.
Others who are long time in this wouldn't find maybe new things. But who knows it wouldn't hurt to take a glance at... ;)
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/video_faq
Cheers.
Kadri
Use vlc. the end ;)
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
The guide says so too ;) In those years i had to use many players .
But i think with VLC palyer and Media Player Classic you can cover most videos.
But flv videos can make trouble sometimes...
I try VLC first and if there is problem then try MPC. % 99 works most of the time :)
Kadri.