How do I get this fansub to play? You have probably come to this forum because one of the files you downloaded and found through AnimeSuki didn't play right or didn't even play at all on your computer. The purpose of this thread is to give you some quick pointers on how to solve that problem!
Quick Fix
Without getting into any details or any kind of troubleshooting, the following suggestions will likely solve your problem pretty quickly:
Install the CCCP codec pack
To play video, you need to have the proper software installed (called "codecs"). There are various codecs and codec packs that can do this, but only the CCCP will work with virtually any (English) anime fansub. Before you install this, please uninstall any other codecs or codec packs you may have already installed by going to
Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs
Alternative solution
If you do not want to install the CCCP codec pack, this thread on the Froth-Bite forum will guide you through installing nearly the same components as included with the CCCP. This guide is actually an updated version of the AnimeSuki Playback Help page and is written by the same author (LytHka).
Only use the recommended players to view anime
Software like Windows Media Player (WMP), BSPlayer and VLC are popular video players among anime fans, but unfortunately they don't actually play all files properly! To avoid playback issues (especially with newer formats like MKV or MP4) please be sure to use the players included with CCCP: that is Media Player Classic (MPC) or ZoomPlayer!
Be sure the fansub downloaded completely
It may seem obvious, but video players will have trouble with incomplete or incorrectly downloaded files. Try redownloading or resuming the file in your BitTorrent client to make absolutely certain the file was completely and correctly downloaded! While the cause of some playback issues may lie with the fansub group, it is an extremely rare situation and when it happens a new version is typically released.
What's this file? How do I play it?
Most of you are familiar with video files in AVI format. But recently various other kinds of video files have become popular with fansub groups, such as:
.MKV (more info)
.MP4
XviD
h264
AAC
Vorbis
...and more...
The simple solution to playing all of these is to install CCCP.
A special note on the MP4 format: as at the time of writing QuickTime's implementation of the MP4 format (and required codecs) is a little outdated, it's not recommended to use QuickTime to play MP4 files! Use CCCP and the included video players instead.
