I don't think any more money needs to be spent.
here is a website for free codec packs
it's quite well known as DivX(a codec creator and provides free codec packs)
the site
http://www.k-litecodecpack.com/
the download link
http://members.home.nl/codecpack/klcodec244f.exe
it's a full version of about 10MB
after the installation of the codecs, no configuration will be needed