Don't you have windows 7 yet ? Quite a few versions come with the DVD
decoder supplied as part of the purchase price... as does vista home
premium and ultimate.
You could try FFDShow which might help :
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDshow.htm
In general, MPEG2 (DVD) decoders are subject to license fees from the
MPEG-LA licensing body, so manufacturers need to charge just to cover
that cost, as well as the cost of development, QA staff, the tea lady,
lighting and power and so on...
Cheers - Neil
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Digital Media MVP : 2004-2010
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/mvpfaqs