I’ve been slowly over the weeks re-importing my CDs to MediaMonkey in the lossless FLAC format as I now have tonnes of hard disk space to accomodate the better sounding, but larger music files.  However, being able to play my music in Windows Media Center proved tricky until I found this great guide on the Lossless Audio blog.

To add support for lossless FLAC files to VMC or MCE then do the following:

1. Download and Install one of the FLAC Directshow Filters

These filters allow you to play FLAC files in Windows Media Player. The most popular being the Illiminable Directshow Filter.

Illiminable Ogg Directshow Filter

Core Flac Directshow Filter

2. Download and Install WMP Tag Support Extender

This plugin allows Ape, MPC, WavPack, OptimFROG, AAC, Flac and Ogg (read only) tags to be used in Windows Media Player and added to the library in Windows Media Center Edition. Be sure to use the latest version.

WMP Tag Support Extender

3. Configure the WMPTSE Plugin

Open WMP and go to Options. Click on the Plugin-Ins Tab and then choose the Background category. Then make sure there is a check in the box for the WMPTagSupportExtender Plugin and choose Properties.

Once in the Properties you can configure how the plugin refreshes the media library as well as additional Read/Write options. There is also a Refresh Now button for refreshing your library.

4. Open MCE/WMP and add new files to your library

Better results are obtained by using Add Folders instead of Scan for Media.

That’s it!

For more advanced advice on how to playing flac files then head on over to the Lossless Audio blog

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• Filed Under: Featured , For Your PC , MP3 & Videos
• Tags: Tags: flac, lossless, MCE, music, VMC, windows media player