Topic: Video - no picture, only sound [Solved] (Read 7665 times)

maxxsid · « **on:** October 24, 2011, 01:19:31 am »

Hello,
Recently upgraded to MC17 and now I have problems with video playback.
Most of the video files do play but don't show any picture, just sound.
Strange thing is that some files do play just fine.
I was not able to figure out the pattern. My files are mostly avi - some divx, some xvid. I found one divx and one xvid which do work - the other don't (out of about 20 I checked).
I use RC standard.
If I switch to RC HQ it fixes the issue but I get really bad stuttering (the movie looks like a slideshow).
Another strange thing is that MC16 uses same set of filters (with RC standard) and plays everything well.
Any idea anyone?
Thanks!
--max

jmone · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2011, 01:46:28 am »

Add the "Compression" col to std view and it will display for video if it is AVC1, MEPG-2, etc etc and you may notice a pattern of which ones play and while ones don't.

maxxsid · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2011, 02:10:37 am »

Compression field is empty for most of my files... at least it is empty for all files which I tried to play.

**... It happens every year after I install a new version of MC. Video playback breaks, multichannel audio (wav, ac3) breaks. I then spend a few months fixing it and then a new version comes out...
I had high hopes for Red October but it doesn't work for me. Zoom Player which I use as a test player works no matter what...
Exactly the same happened to me when I went from MC15 to MC16. Unfortunately, I don't remember how I fixed it. It always involves some black magic with a lot of semi-random clicking, cursing and cccp-like packages install/uninstall.

And this is for my HTPC system which I use to actually watch movies (with spdif optical out).
My desktop plays all video files OK.
(both systems are XP SP3)

: \

Quote from: jmone on October 24, 2011, 01:46:28 am

Add the "Compression" col to std view and it will display for video if it is AVC1, MEPG-2, etc etc and you may notice a pattern of which ones play and while ones don't.

maxxsid · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2011, 02:26:29 am »

Here's my graph info if it helps:
Filter Graph Info:

Filter 'JRiver Audio Renderer'
CLSID: {A4002F8E-510F-442C-8AD3-F9C7B23FB394}
Host:
Input Pin 'In'
Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'LAV Audio Decoder (auto-configured)'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_PCM, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

Filter 'Enhanced Video Renderer'
CLSID: {FA10746C-9B63-4B6C-BC49-FC300EA5F256}
Host: c:\windows\system32\evr.dll
Input Pin 'EVR Input0'
Connected to pin 'Out' of filter 'ffdshow Video Decoder (auto-configured)'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Video Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_YV12, Format type FORMAT_VideoInfo
Input Pin 'EVR Input1'

Filter 'ffdshow Video Decoder (auto-configured)'
CLSID: {04FE9017-F873-410E-871E-AB91661A4EF7}
Host: C:\Documents and Settings\maxx\Application Data\J River\Media Center 17\Plugins\ffdshow\ffdshow.ax
Input Pin 'In'
Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'JRiver Video Monitor'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Video Sub type Unknown GUID Name: {44495658-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71}, Format type

FORMAT_VideoInfo
Output Pin 'Out'
Connected to pin 'EVR Input0' of filter 'Enhanced Video Renderer'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Video Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_YV12, Format type FORMAT_VideoInfo
Input Pin 'In Text'

Filter 'LAV Audio Decoder (auto-configured)'
CLSID: {E8E73B6B-4CB3-44A4-BE99-4F7BCB96E491}
Host: C:\Documents and Settings\maxx\Application Data\J River\Media Center 17\Plugins\lav\LAVAudio.ax
Input Pin 'Input'
Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'JRiver Audio Monitor'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_DOLBY_AC3, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx
Output Pin 'Output'
Connected to pin 'In' of filter 'JRiver Audio Renderer'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_PCM, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

Filter 'JRiver Video Monitor'
CLSID: {A4207487-E7D8-406B-9882-B66370DE2492}
Host:
Input Pin 'Input'
Connected to pin 'Video' of filter 'LAV Source Splitter'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Video Sub type Unknown GUID Name: {44495658-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71}, Format type

FORMAT_VideoInfo
Output Pin 'Output'
Connected to pin 'In' of filter 'ffdshow Video Decoder (auto-configured)'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Video Sub type Unknown GUID Name: {44495658-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71}, Format type

FORMAT_VideoInfo

Filter 'JRiver Audio Monitor'
CLSID: {A4207487-E7D8-406B-9882-B66370DE2492}
Host:
Input Pin 'Input'
Connected to pin 'Audio' of filter 'LAV Source Splitter'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_DOLBY_AC3, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx
Output Pin 'Output'
Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'LAV Audio Decoder (auto-configured)'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_DOLBY_AC3, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

Filter 'LAV Source Splitter'
CLSID: {B98D13E7-55DB-4385-A33D-09FD1BA26338}
Host: C:\Documents and Settings\maxx\Application Data\J River\Media Center 17\Plugins\lav\LAVSplitter.ax
Output Pin 'Video'
Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'JRiver Video Monitor'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Video Sub type Unknown GUID Name: {44495658-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71}, Format type

FORMAT_VideoInfo
Output Pin 'Audio'
Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'JRiver Audio Monitor'
Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_DOLBY_AC3, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

jmone · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2011, 03:34:51 am »

What happens if you select one of the files where the compression is blank and you do a update library from tags? Does it then populate and play OK?

maxxsid · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2011, 10:12:23 am »

Nathan,
First off - thanks for the tip on the Compression field - never used it before.

Here's what happens - NOTHING. Or, rather, MC reports that the update fails. This is for my HTPC - the one with video playback problem.
On my Desktop (the one without video playback problem) the tags get updated.
Files which play OK on HTPC include: (video:DX50, audio:AC3), (video:XVID, audio:AC3)
Files which do not play OK on HTPC include the same subset: (video:DX50, audio:AC3), (video:XVID, audio:AC3)

--max

Quote from: jmone on October 24, 2011, 03:34:51 am

What happens if you select one of the files where the compression is blank and you do a update library from tags? Does it then populate and play OK?

maxxsid · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2011, 01:00:54 am »

Nathan? Anyone?
Any more ideas before I reinstall XP?
Will be much appreciated!

jmone · « **Reply #7 on:** October 25, 2011, 02:53:40 am »

Sorry been away with work, but I have a couple of suggestions:

1) Take one of the files that don't play on the HTPC and
- Using Windows File Explorer, navigate to where the content is stored on your Library Server and double click it to play
- Copy it to the HTPC desktop and try playing it from there
If it plays OK this way then then check you "Media Network Settings" especially that the "Play local file if one that matches ...." is checked (under Tools --> Options --> Media Network --> Client Options". I find it odd that when viewing the library on the library server there is data under the Compression Field but when the same library is loaded on the HTPC it is blank.

If the above does not help

2) Try deleting the the folders under C:\Documents and Settings\maxx\Application Data\J River\Media Center 17\Plugins\ and let MC re-download them (in case there is something broken with the FFDSHOW install).

3) Pray to the PC gods!

struct · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2011, 03:32:56 am »

probably stating the obvious that has already been tried, but last time I had something similar, I just removed MC and ffdshow and it worked upon reinstalling MC.

craig

maxxsid · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2011, 10:10:52 am »

Nathan/Craig,
No.. those didn't help.
I noticed one difference between MC16 and 17 on my HTPC - 16 uses Video Mixing Renderer 9, 17 uses Enhanced Renderer for playback.
I tried to tweak Video playback settings by switching to RC with additional filters and this caused MC17 to crash upon starting playback.
Well, I guess I'll just reinstall XP. Strangely, the HTPC often gives me problems while my Desktop doesn't.
I didn't reinstall since 2006! Switched motherboards/cpus several times but didn't reinstall the system : ) God knows what leftovers are still there...

fitbrit · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2011, 11:45:33 am »

Quote from: maxxsid on October 25, 2011, 10:10:52 am

Nathan/Craig,
No.. those didn't help.
I noticed one difference between MC16 and 17 on my HTPC - 16 uses Video Mixing Renderer 9, 17 uses Enhanced Renderer for playback.
I tried to tweak Video playback settings by switching to RC with additional filters and this caused MC17 to crash upon starting playback.
Well, I guess I'll just reinstall XP. Strangely, the HTPC often gives me problems while my Desktop doesn't.
I didn't reinstall since 2006! Switched motherboards/cpus several times but didn't reinstall the system : ) God knows what leftovers are still there...

Hmmm, you're still using XP? Can anyone chime in and tell us whether EVR now works under XP - it wasn't supported back when I was using it.

maxxsid · « **Reply #11 on:** October 25, 2011, 11:59:10 am »

My Desktop is using EVR and apparently doesn't have any problems with Video.

(I am half-way through the system reinstall - will report tonite)

fitbrit · « **Reply #12 on:** October 25, 2011, 12:05:41 pm »

Quote from: maxxsid on October 25, 2011, 11:59:10 am

My Desktop is using EVR and apparently doesn't have any problems with Video.

(I am half-way through the system reinstall - will report tonite)

I'd heard that it was able to run; thanks for the confirmation. I can tell you that I used to have all manner of video problems with XP, but many of these went away as soon as I installed Win7, even on the same hardware. In fact, it was like having a new HTPC.

If your hardware is capable, you may want to consider the upgrade.

maxxsid · « **Reply #13 on:** October 25, 2011, 12:47:27 pm »

I have E35M1-M PRO "CPU on-board" AMD Hudson mobo.

I don't like the 7.
I do realize it has its advantages, though.
I did try to upgrade my HTPC to the 7.
It worked in general but I couldn't get my VFD to work (I know it's useless but I got attached to it over the years : )

If my XP reinstall doesn't fix things I'll switch to 7.

Quote from: fitbrit on October 25, 2011, 12:05:41 pm

I'd heard that it was able to run; thanks for the confirmation. I can tell you that I used to have all manner of video problems with XP, but many of these went away as soon as I installed Win7, even on the same hardware. In fact, it was like having a new HTPC.

If your hardware is capable, you may want to consider the upgrade.

fitbrit · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2011, 12:58:22 pm »

Quote from: maxxsid on October 25, 2011, 12:47:27 pm

I have E35M1-M PRO "CPU on-board" AMD Hudson mobo.

I don't like the 7.
I do realize it has its advantages, though.
I did try to upgrade my HTPC to the 7.
It worked in general but I couldn't get my VFD to work (I know it's useless but I got attached to it over the years : )

If my XP reinstall doesn't fix things I'll switch to 7.

I also have a VFD, made by Soundgraph (iMON). This one, at least, works fine in Windows 7. I too tried Win7 a couple of years ago and returned to XP due to lack of hardware support. When I returned to Win7 in 2010/11, everything I needed works now!

maxxsid · « **Reply #15 on:** October 25, 2011, 01:01:59 pm »

checked your link... wow. AMD Opteron 180. I used to have one of those... nice chip. got rid of it eventually for its high power consumption

Quote from: fitbrit on October 25, 2011, 12:05:41 pm

In fact, it was like having a new HTPC.

maxxsid · « **Reply #16 on:** October 25, 2011, 01:07:49 pm »

I noticed : )
Mine came with an Ahanix case and actually had a parallel port interface.
After parallel ports disappeared from mobos, I bought a USB upgrade kit for it.
It works with imon drivers (at least on XP).
Couldn't get it to work with W7.

Quote from: fitbrit on October 25, 2011, 12:58:22 pm

I also have a VFD

fitbrit · « **Reply #17 on:** October 25, 2011, 01:12:54 pm »

Quote from: maxxsid on October 25, 2011, 01:01:59 pm

checked your link... wow. AMD Opteron 180. I used to have one of those... nice chip. got rid of it eventually for its high power consumption

I'm not using it any more, though. I sold it earlier this year after my second Clarkdale/GTS450 system was built. I did, however, move the VFD from the S939 to the new HTPC.
You can barely see it in my home theatre thread: In the Other Hardware forum. Pics 37-40, I think.

maxxsid · « **Reply #18 on:** October 25, 2011, 01:59:51 pm »

where do you keep you car and junk?

fitbrit · « **Reply #19 on:** October 25, 2011, 03:47:47 pm »

Quote from: maxxsid on October 25, 2011, 01:59:51 pm

where do you keep you car and junk?

Car: in mother-in-law's garage across the street. Don't cringe - it's a blessing having her close by.
Junk: In most of the rest of the house!

maxxsid · « **Reply #20 on:** October 25, 2011, 09:18:56 pm »

: ) I used to live across the street from my mother-in-law.

===============

Reinstalled XP. My first MC install on a fresh XP without any crap/codecs loaded!

-- Video playback worked right away. Uses Video Mixing Renderer 9.

Had a bit of a hard time configuring multichannel audio ac3, dts/wav (not in video but standalone audio files) via spdif. Had to install as3filter and ac3file (never managed to make it work with ffdshow), fiddled with settings, kernel/asio/direct. Finally, worked with Direct Sound, J River Video Engine + as3filter and ac3file. Kernel produces an error (cannot play blah blah) and MC hangs. ASIO4ALL didn't work either. I had mixed results with these settings over the years. Sometimes Kernel worked. Sometimes ASIO. Sometimes Direct. With MC17 it's Direct : )

Now onto installing/configuring Girder + Harmony One.

Thanks everyone for helping!
--max

maxxsid · « **Reply #21 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:05:05 am »

OK... It reverted back to EVR from VMR9 and stopped working again.
I went and switched to RC wit Additional Filters and changed back to VMR9 - all is well again

Some more questions:

-- why it switched to EVR?
-- why EVR works on my Desktop (and on my PC at work) and doesn't on HTPC? (the same goes for Kernel steaming - works on Desktop and doesn't on HTPC). All systems run XP SP3.
Is it Intel vs AMD? Nvidia vs Radeon?
Just checked - EVR works fine on my File Server too - it has AMD processor but Nvidia video.
HTPC is my only system which has Radeon for video.

jmone · « **Reply #22 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:17:30 am »

NFI - the net is full of comments like:
you can get EVR in XP by installing .NET 3.0 but there isn't much support for it

maxxsid · « **Reply #23 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:34:42 am »

Oh.. Frankly, yesterday was the first time I heard the term EVR. I thought it was something MC specific.
Video in Windows is still a mystery to me. All those pins and merits.
Yeah.. My other PC's have all XP updates installed. On HTPC I stopped with .NET 2, I believe. I'll look into this..
Thanks for a hint!

Quote from: jmone on October 26, 2011, 12:17:30 am

NFI - the net is full of comments like:
you can get EVR in XP by installing .NET 3.0 but there isn't much support for it

maxxsid · « **Reply #24 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:43:29 am »

And this .NET business also confuses me.
.NET 1.1
.NET 2
.NET 3
.NET 3.5
.NET 4
I would've thought .NET 4 supersedes all the lower numbers. No?
EVR needs .NET 3 specifically? 3.5 should do too, right?

jmone · « **Reply #25 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:48:28 am »

I don't know what version (or versions) of Dot Net is needed for EVR on XP but I do know that each version is independent so having V4 does not necessarily mean it gives you what V3 does (and vice versa).

jmone · « **Reply #26 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:49:40 am »

Also FYI - from Vista onward we got a whole new audio path with WASAPI - very much worth the upgrade as well!

maxxsid · « **Reply #27 on:** October 26, 2011, 01:25:08 am »

I am aware of this.
Will eventually upgrade.

Quote from: jmone on October 26, 2011, 12:49:40 am

Also FYI - from Vista onward we got a whole new audio path with WASAPI - very much worth the upgrade as well!

maxxsid · « **Reply #28 on:** October 26, 2011, 01:26:46 am »

I'll give net 3 a spin. thanks!

Quote from: jmone on October 26, 2011, 12:48:28 am

I don't know what version (or versions) of Dot Net is needed for EVR on XP but I do know that each version is independent so having V4 does not necessarily mean it gives you what V3 does (and vice versa).

maxxsid · « **Reply #29 on:** October 26, 2011, 11:27:06 am »

Installed all XP updates, including all .NET versions from 1 to 4. Still no go for EVR. Must be the video card... Will install the latest drivers tonite and see. Right now Asus site is conveniently down : )

fitbrit · « **Reply #30 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:06:53 pm »

Quote from: maxxsid on October 26, 2011, 11:27:06 am

Installed all XP updates, including all .NET versions from 1 to 4. Still no go for EVR. Must be the video card... Will install the latest drivers tonite and see. Right now Asus site is conveniently down : )

Use drivers from nVidia, not Asus.

maxxsid · « **Reply #31 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:28:58 pm »

It's AMD/Radeon.. Yeah, I better use the drivers from AMD not ASUS.

fitbrit · « **Reply #32 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:58:46 pm »

Quote from: maxxsid on October 26, 2011, 12:28:58 pm

It's AMD/Radeon.. Yeah, I better use the drivers from AMD not ASUS.

Sorry, I confused you with a nVidia user I was also botching up trying to help.

maxxsid · « **Reply #33 on:** October 27, 2011, 05:03:24 pm »

hmm... amd doesn't even list any XP drivers for this mobo/cpu/gpu. Guess I better upgrade to W7 after all.

maxxsid · « **Reply #34 on:** October 31, 2011, 01:31:29 am »

Well... Took a plunge and upgraded to Windows 7.
Video works well now.

Another problem surfaced (of course).
Not related to MC this time but maybe somebody can help me anyway..

I use USB-UIRT with Girder 4 to control my system. With W7, Girder now GPFs coming out of Standby - it's related to its USB-UIRT plugin. It works in general. If I start/stop and restart Girder, USB-UIRT works as intended. If I put the system to sleep and then wake up, it gives me a BSOD. If I disable the plugin and then put the system to sleep and wake up, everything is OK.
So it's for sure the Girder's USB-UIRT plugin : (
Any idea anyone?
Thanks!
--max

JimH · « **Reply #35 on:** October 31, 2011, 06:59:48 am »

Or a driver problem with the USB-UIRT.

Please copy and paste to a new thread on the Hardware board. I'll lock this one.

Thanks for the report.

INTERACT FORUM

Author Topic: Video - no picture, only sound [Solved] (Read 7665 times)