[brazen1]

Thanks for that.. So why do some people choose external player? Why bother? Isn't it more hassle? Thanks..

 I cant think of any need for an external player with KODI DS, some people however use an external player with stock KODI for 3D playback for instance, I used to do it that way before I discovered DS.

DS rocks !  

 I can think of few:

Menus for 2D, 3D and 4k HDR for those who prefer their experience is identical, when using files, to using a dedicated player with the physical disc.  (iso complete 1:1 rips)

After playing 4k HDR and returning to SDR mode, 3D stereoscopic disables with Nvidia.  Not sure about others?  It must be manually enabled before 3D playback again.  To automate this, simple code is inserted before playback.  DSPlayer cannot insert custom codes afaik. (.bats)

For those who prefer to launch additional advantageous software when a title starts, automated.  (.bats)

For those who prefer to use the official KODI release or any official KODI alpha, beta, or RC such as those who have been using v.18 x64 for over a year.  DSPlayer is no longer under development afaik.  The original author abandoned it afaik and requires someone to recompile it to keep up with official KODI from time to time as they see fit or time and ambition allows.  Whether or not DSPlayer will always be compatible is a consideration.  Other forked versions of KODI have already stated they will not be upgraded to v.18.  DSPlayer is over 6000 commits behind the official KODI according to Git.

Currently, to play every file type to its fullest extent, 3 players are required excluding KODI's videoplayer which is pretty limited but still attempting more versatility.  1 is freeware, 2 cost money.... about $15 or less on Ebay for both.

For those who prefer complete control of which titles and/or formats are automatically default assigned to various players in order to maximize efficiency and/or quality.  Fwiw, imo, there is no difference in quality madVR + external player such as DS vs DVDFab Player when decoding 4k HDR for example.  One provides complete disc interaction mimicking a physical disc and one doesn't though.

madVR, a dependency of DSPlayer, is compatible with many players and these various players all provide different experiences based on user preference and compatibility with unique existing environments although DSPlayer 'appears' more seamless.  Not to be confused that external players are not seamless as well.

There are other reasons but these are some of the differences, not that any would be considered, "needed" especially for those that prefer tailoring their limited rips to conform with limitations of players rather than the other way around.... tailoring their players to conform with unlimited rips.

There is no doubt DSPlayer is a great method for what it is though and popularity proves this.  Glad it is an additional alternative for enthusiasts.