Playback Problems

[Cyndrax]

I have several DivX movies I have downloaded (legal files) which I can't seem to get playing. If I load the movie into GSpot everything seems okay, it tells me the file length is correct, there are three compatible video codecs installed, two compatible audio codecs installed, and the rendering is sucessful.

However, whenever I try to play the file, I get the first video frame, and working audio, but the video never advances. I am running WinXP Pro SP1 and have tried the files in Windows Media Player and J.River's Media Center.

Any thoughts on where to go from here? Is there any more information I should provide?

[setarip]

Load the file into VirtualDubMod. Set BOTH "Video" and "Audio" to "Direct Stream Copy". Scan for bad frames. Save with a new filename...

[Cyndrax]

Originally posted by setarip
Load the file into VirtualDubMod. Set BOTH "Video" and "Audio" to "Direct Stream Copy". Scan for bad frames. Save with a new filename...

If I try to open the file in VirtualDubMod I get the following Error:

VirtualDub Error

Couldn't locate decompressor for format 'DX50' (unknown)

VirtualDub requires a Video for Windows (VFW) compatible codec to decompress video. DirectShow codecs, such as those used by Windows Media Player, are not suitable.

I believe I have all the files required for VirtualDubMod (I grabbed the inclusive version from the Sourceforge Download page). However, if I try to launch VirtualDub from the AuxSetup.exe program, I get the error message "Couldn't Launch VirtualDub.exe" However, if I launch it from VirtualDubMod.exe, it works fine.

Is there anyother type of filter or codec I should have installed?

Thanks for the help!

Cyndrax

[Cyndrax]

On a related side note, what is the recommend course of action to get the proper codecs and filters installed on a new, clean system? i.e. I have just formated my harddrive and installed WinXP, what programs/codec packs/registry hacks do I want to install, and in what order? The machine is only a Celeron 800, so I am not interested in tying it up with ripping/encoding, just playing files.

Cyndrax

[Enchanter]

I am not interested in tying it up with ripping/encoding, just playing files
In that case, download and install FFDShow (http://sourceforge.net/projects/ffdshow). Configure it to play the various MPEG-4 compression formats (under Codec) and remember to enable Post-processing as well. There will be no need to install any other codecs.

[Cyndrax]

Originally posted by Enchanter
In that case, download and install FFDShow (http://sourceforge.net/projects/ffdshow). Configure it to play the various MPEG-4 compression formats (under Codec) and remember to enable Post-processing as well. There will be no need to install any other codecs.

If I download and install FFDShow, will that allow me to use any program to play DivX files (Windows Media Player, JRiver Media Center, ZoomPlayer)?

Do I want the latest alpha ffdshow-20030523.exe, or should I stick with an earlier version?

Thanks for all the help!

Cyndrax

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by Cyndrax
If I download and install FFDShow, will that allow me to use any program to play DivX files (Windows Media Player, JRiver Media Center, ZoomPlayer)?

Yes.

To be more specific, I have used FFDShow with BSPlayer, WMP 6.4 and WMP 8, and they work perfectly alright. I do not see any possible problems with any other (decent) players.

Originally posted by Cyndrax

Do I want the latest alpha ffdshow-20030523.exe, or should I stick with an earlier version?

Thanks for all the help!

Cyndrax
I am using the 20030103 Alpha version and I like it.

I tried the version from April (sorry, can't remember the exact numbers) and did not like it for its noticable mosquito noise. I have not tried the May version yet though.

Why don't you just give each version a try and see which suits your eyes the best? After all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. :D

[UncasMS]

i had problems with some april releases, too (cant remember excactly which ones)

i finally used the version from april 24th, which was fine for me.

the latest version 20030523.exe is now working on my machines and i havent had a problem so far.

go for the latest version (incl. theora support).

[Enchanter]

theora?

[setarip]

Further to your original question:

"Couldn't locate decompressor for format 'DX50' (unknown)"

VirtualDubMod is indicating that you'll need to install the DivX v.5.0 codec if you want to use VirtualDubMod to scan the file for bad video frames (This seems to contradict the findings in your GSpot screenshot).

[Cyndrax]

Originally posted by setarip
VirtualDubMod is indicating that you'll need to install the DivX v.5.0 codec if you want to use VirtualDubMod to scan the file for bad video frames (This seems to contradict the findings in your GSpot screenshot).

When I attempted to install the DivX 5.05 codec using the DivX bundle I downloaded from divx.com, it hung on the updating registry step of the installation. Is there something I can do to fix this? Is it as simple as running regsrv32 on some files myself?

This installation hang is what led me to the Nemo codec pack.

Thanks so much for all the help!

Cyndrax

[SKD_Tech]

Nimo = Bad
Tsuanmi = Great

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by SKD_Tech
Nimo = Bad
Tsuanmi = Great
Very subjective...

I personally do not find anything wrong with Nimo. It's just that Tsunami contains more updated components. Both work great.

[Cyndrax]

Well, I blew away my OS, and re-installed it. Installed the latest FFDShow and it works like a charm. Thanks for all the help everyone!!

I don't suppose any of you are video input card experts are you?

Cyndrax

[Enchanter]

"Installed the latest FFDShow and it works like a charm. Thanks for all the help everyone!!"

Good to see that it's working out for you. ;)


"I don't suppose any of you are video input card experts are you?"

I'm not the one to ask in this unfortunately.

[SKD_Tech]

Video Input Cards eh?

Well did you want to buy one? Have a problem with one?

There are a lot a variables it all depends on what you really need and your budget that takes you on your ride to getting one.

[Cyndrax]

I have a Provideo PV-256T MPEG encoder card with Tuner. I am trying to get it working in JRiver Media Center. When I try to set up the tuner, it asks me to choose a country and connection type. Unfortunately, the only countries it provides are PAL-B based countries (I need NTSC). I know the card works with NTSC streams, as I have it working in the little application that came with it. Unfortunately, I am not experienced enough in the technology to diagnose where in the registry/driver files/etc. it is storing the cards capabilities so I can tweak its settings.

Brian