TV-out Works but wont change when playing

[Jesse7]

I have a wierd problem. I can switch from TV mode to normal mode and watch a movie or DVD no problem.

But if I am playing a Div-x or DVD even if the movie is paused (or possibly even STOPPED). I can't switch to my monitor or back to my TV or anything until I close the program. Which is anoying as txt is hard to read sometimes and I want to change without loosing my spot or playlist or whatever.

I am pretty sure I used to be able to change while playing a movie.

I have a GF 6600 GT. I always run the latest driver. I used to have a 4200ti and I think it had the same problem but it used to work once upon a time.

[anonymez]

jesse, what exactly happens when you try to switch?

is there a reason you don't want to use 'clone' mode, so that both the TV and monitor are functional at the same time?

[Jesse7]

Wow fast reply thanks .

Both or one of the devices will flicker I can't remember, as though it is trying to change but it doesn't change, unless I close off the player.

And yeh there is a reason I don't want to use clone mode. I play games. I don't want it affecting my framerate or anything like that. I don't know if it would or what but I still prefer it to be in 100% normal mode when playing games for stability reasons also.

Also clone mode didn't look as good? perhaps or didn't work at the time (image not showing up on TV maybe? not sure) (I know I can get it going if I did some reading). Also clone mode means I have to turn off the monitor as well instead of it turning off by itself.

I'm not lazy but the whole point is to be able to switch to tv and back easily with no fuss ( I usually use the hot keys in advanced options in Nvidia options).

Plus my flatmates use it too and they are computer illiterate so the simpler the better, I just think it is possible to make it work how I want it to.

[anonymez]

make sure you have latest directx (you definitely should if you're indeed a gamer ). which media player do you use? does this happen with all players?

[Jesse7]

Yeh definatly have all the latest everything possible. I use media player classic 6.4.x (whatever is the newest). I haven't actually tried using another player for div-x etc because it also does it when I play DVD's in windvd.

[Jesse7]

Are you able to do what I am describing on your system without any problems?

I actually completely formated and installed everything from scratch and this was the first thing I tested to see if it was fixed. ( I had to format anyways.).

[anonymez]

I use a HDTV connected to my HPTC (home theater pc). i don't need to switch between anything, the text is very easy to read

run media player classic, press 'o' on your keyboard. click 'output'. choose 'vmr9 renderless'. close media player classic.

run it again, play a video, pause and try to switch.

[Jesse7]

Ok cool thanks will try that when I get home. What exactly is that and what else will it effect?

[anonymez]

a quick, crappy explanation:

there are several 'video modes' windows/directx uses to render video. they are overlay, vmr7 and vmr9

overlay is the fastest & most compatible, but it has the limitation of not being able to take screenshots without the specific media player supporting it. its also gives the lowest quality picture. the limitation that concerns you is that it can only play 1 video at any time.

vmr7 is windows xp's default, its slow & better quality than overlay. it supports screencaps.

vmr9 is the best, but the slowest. it can render many videos at the same time. it gives best quality and also supports screencaps.

vmr7 and 9 have many advantages over overlay (most not listed here), meaning overlay, which most people use, sucks in comparison

seeing as overlay supports ONLY 1 video, and you have 2 displays, my 'theory' is that that directx/drivers get 'confused' about which display gets the video when switching from one to another.

see my thread here about the advantages/disadvantages of using vmr9 for playback http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?t=57099

[Jesse7]

Awesome thanks helps, much appreciated.

[anonymez]

no problem , let us know how it goes...

[Jesse7]

I tried setting to all three, overlay, 7 and 9. I also tried selecting DX9 for everything even though it probably already used DX9. But no change. I will try another player tonight I guess.

[Jesse7]

Any other ideas?

[anonymez]

hmm i just tried it on my display (though i have an ati card), it seems to work just fine.

looks like a driver limitation. tried contacting nvidia?