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[HTPCnut]

Hi,
I've done lots of reading posts in this Forum, checking the web, installing/removing codecs by the dozens etc. - but I just can't get .mpg video files to play properly in MC12. There's always drop-outs in sound/video. I've tried fixing it by  selcting/deselecting DirectShow Filters in the Tools > Video > DirectShow playback settings, but to no avail. When I play the same video in Winamp, everything is perfect and the picture quality is way better, too!!

Some of the codec packs I've tried are K-Lite, CCCP, fffdshow ...and various other ones. Seems I'm either not selecting the correct ones to be used for .mpg playback, or I don't have the right renderer (??) - at least, that's what I could think of. Video playback usually works fine using Winamp, MediaPlayer Classic or Windows MediaPlayer.

Currently I have no Source Filter, but lots of Microsoft, JRiver and MPEG codecs selected... but other settings didn't show any improvements either (it actually got worse). My Video Renderer is "Video Mixing Renderer 9". I recall having more/other renderer available in the drop-down window, but after blasting most of the codecs with "Codec Sniper" -hoping to "clean things up"- they also disappeared...

In essence:
Could anyone PLEASE let me know which codecs/settings I need to get video/sound playback of the same/similar versatility & quality as if using Winamp's "Nullsoft DirectShow Decoder 1.05" ?? ?

*** THANKS!!***

SYSTEM INFO:
Media Center 12.0.404 -- C:\Program Files\J River\Media Center 12\

Microsoft Windows 2000  Workstation 5.0 Service Pack 4 (Build 2195)
Intel Pentium 4 3397 MHz MMX / Memory: Total - 2094 MB, Free - 1675 MB

Internet Explorer: 6.0.2800.1106 / ComCtl32.dll: 5.81.4968 / Shlwapi.dll: 6.0.2800 / Shell32.dll: 5.0.3900 / wnaspi32.dll: N/A
Ripping /   Drive D:   Mode:Normal  Type:Auto  Speed:Max
  Digital playback: Yes /  Use YADB: Yes /  Get cover art: Yes /  Calc replay gain: Yes /  Copy volume: 32767
  Eject after ripping: Yes /  Play sound after ripping: No 

Burning /  Drive D: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-H62N    Addr: 2:0:0  Speed:48  MaxSpeed:48  BurnProof:Yes
  Test mode: No /  Eject after writing: Yes /  Direct decoding: Yes /  Write CD-Text: Yes
  Use playback settings: No /

Portable Device Info
  Removed devices:


Interface Plugins:
  last.fm (Active)
  Library Server (Active/Enabled)
  TiVo Server (Active)
  UPnP Server (Active/Enabled)

[JimH]

Welcome to the forum.  The first thing you could do is to get a more recent build.  12.0.438 is available on the MC12 board.  Then read glynor's guide:

http://wiki.jrmediacenter.com/index.php/DirectShow_Playback_Guide

Then report what you're using and how it works.

Installing WMP11 might fix the renderer problem if you still have it after updating MC12.

[HTPCnut]

Thanks a lot for your response, JimH... - I'll give it a try!

[HTPCnut]

Well... I did upgrade to 12.0.438, I checked the DirectShow Playback Guide [...it didn't ring any bells, though], and re-installed Media Player 9, since WMP9 is as good as it gets with Win2K.. Re-installed CCCP, too - but the video problems with .MPG video files still exist.

It seems to me it's connected to the Windows Media Player engine, even though un-checking this option in MC12's "Tools > Playback > DirectShow > Video Playback Options" causes the screen to turn black, and I'll have to force a crash to see anything (menu etc) again.


Is there another "engine" I could use instead?
I guess, I'll give the Gabest Decoder a shot now and see what happens...
[Note: Didn't do anything good... either]

Suggestions... anyone??
~Thanks!

[JimH]

WMP9?

[HTPCnut]

..Windows Media Player 9. All that's possible with Win2K.
However, I don't think that WMP9 is the issue (or is it?), since I don't have any problems with other media players. Only the video playback in MC12 seems affected...

[HTPCnut]

Well, thanks for the suggestions, JimH -
Unfortunately, it didn't really help and it's getting a bit frustrating now. Especially since I'm dealing with this problem not just since yesterday...

Can someone please explain to me, in Layman's terms, what the issue may be, and why Winamp plays these kind of files 'out of the box' and in excellent quality - but MC12 does not? I have truckloads of codecs available (some of them installed), which both Winamp and MC12 may actively be utilizing for video playback. And still, .MPG video playback only works fine in Winamp. -- Why?

I really like MC12 and look to forward using it as my Media Center Software (once my trial period is up, and provided I can get the mpg playback working...), but right now, it's really is annoying. Doesn't anyone have a more precise clue what the problem may be? Am I the only one with this issue??

Here's the my DirectShow info.. - maybe it's a start, and there is something obviously wrong with it?

DirectX 9.0c  /   Registered DirectShow Filters:
AC3File -  AC3Filter -  ACM Wrapper -   AVI Decompressor   
AVI Draw  -   AVI Splitter  - AVI/WAV File Source  - Avi Source   
Avi Splitter  - BDA MPE Filter  - BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter   
BDA Slip De-Framer   -  Color Space Converter  - DC-Bass Source   
DV Muxer  - DV Splitter  - DV Video Decoder  - Default DirectSound Device   
Default MidiOut Device  - DirectVobSub (auto-loading version)   
DivX Decoder Filter -  FLV Source -   FLV Splitter -  FLV4 Video Decoder   
File Source (Async.) -  File Source (Monkey Audio) -  File Source (URL)   
File stream renderer  - Haali Media Splitter -  Haali Media Splitter (AR)   
Internal Script Command Renderer  - JRiver Video Decoder Filter   
Line 21 Decoder -  Line 21 Decoder 2  -  Lyric Parser  -  MIDI Parser   
MJPEG Decompressor  - MP4 Source   -  MP4 Splitter   
MPEG Audio Decoder  -  MPEG Layer-3 Decoder  -  MPEG Video Decoder   
MPEG-2 Video Decoder (Gabest)  -  MPEG-I Stream Splitter   
MPEG4 Video Source  -  MPEG4 Video Splitter  -   Matroska Source   
Matroska Splitter  - Mpeg Splitter  -   Multi-file Parser   
Overlay Mixer2  -  QT Decompressor   -  QuickTime Movie Parser   
SAMI (CC) Parser  - VGA 16 Color Ditherer  -  VP6 Decompressor   
VP7 Decompressor  -  Video Port Manager  -  Video Renderer   
WM ASF Reader  -  WM ASF Writer  -   WavPack Audio Decoder   
WavPack Audio Splitter   - Wave Parser
ffdshow Audio Decoder  -   ffdshow Video Decoder 
madFlac Decoder  -  madFlac Source   

[Note: the above are not all installed/selected for MC12 video playback; just in case you're wondering]


DirectSound / Version   5.3.0000001.0904     
 Speaker Configuration   5 surround + subwoofer     
 Primary Device   Realtek HD Audio rear output     


... anything I'm missing??



MC12 SYSTEM INFO
Media Center 12.0.438 -- C:\Program Files\J River\Media Center 12\

Microsoft Windows 2000 5.0 Service Pack 4 (Build 2195)
Intel Pentium 4 3397 MHz MMX / Memory: Total - 2094 MB, Free - 1696 MB

Internet Explorer: 6.0.2800.1106 / ComCtl32.dll: 5.81.4968 / Shlwapi.dll: 6.0.2800 / Shell32.dll: 5.0.3900 / wnaspi32.dll: N/A
Ripping /   Drive D:   Mode:Normal  Type:Auto  Speed:Max
  Digital playback: Yes /  Use YADB: Yes /  Get cover art: Yes /  Calc replay gain: Yes /  Copy volume: 32767
  Eject after ripping: Yes /  Play sound after ripping: No 

Burning /  Drive D: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-H62N    Addr: 2:0:0  Speed:48  MaxSpeed:48  BurnProof:Yes
  Test mode: No /  Eject after writing: Yes /  Direct decoding: Yes /  Write CD-Text: Yes
  Use playback settings: No /

Portable Device Info
  Removed devices:

Interface Plugins:
  last.fm (Active) /   Library Server (Active/Enabled) /   TiVo Server (Active) /   UPnP Server (Active/Enabled)


THANK YOU!!!!
 

[rjm]

Sorry I can't help you with W2K however with XP and Vista I have learned that by installing CCCP + QuickTime7, every one of my many video formats plays perfectly. Note that if you run auto-update on QuickTime6 it does not offer to upgrade you to 7 - you must do this manually.

[HTPCnut]

Thanks, rjm!!

[rjm]

You're welcome.

Should have mentioned that I did not have to mess with any of the MC codec settings. Also, when you install CCCP it will offer to disable the Gabest splitter. I said yes because Gabest was buggering up my MKV playback.

[Matt]

If you keep having problems, please right-click a playing video and copy the filter graph information and paste it here.

Thanks.

[HTPCnut]

Hi,
Very much appreciate all the help & suggestions.. many thanks to this excellent Forum! 

Well...
Feels kinda dumb having to admit that Windows 2000 seems to be the culprit (and root of all... problems):
After I created another partition on my HDD and slapped Windows XP on it [not activated yet; just for testing], together with a fresh install of MC 12.0.438 and all necessary Codecs/Filters/Splitters etc. (all its needs is the Basic K-Lite pack) everything (!) on my HTPC works f-l-a-w-l-e-s-s-l-y !!!

Kudos to the MC Development & Support Team; this is one hell of a great MC solution and I'm sure gonna stick with it!!!
Only thing that bugs me, of course: I'll need a 4th XP License now, since I'm done messing around with cracked XP installs.. (...I've grown up! ;-) .

Anyways,
Just wanted to give some feedback to the community; just in cases anyone runs into the same kind of [sound/video] issues I experienced. I know now, more than ever, why I dig XP (and won't upgrade to Vista, unless I'll have to... in 10 years, or so)...

I'll report back if anything turns out to be a problem after all; if anyone cares.
So far I've randomly checked all my Music Videos & Movie files (.mpg, .mpeg, .flv, .divx, .avi, .mov, .mp4  ...etc.) and all show just fine!.. YEAH!!!

JR MC 12 ROCKS!!!  

Thanks,
A:-)

NOTE: Since the entire XP/MC 12 install only took me 2+ hrs, or so, I'm gonna give Win2K another shot. I can't quite believe that XP alone makes such a big difference.... - I'll keep you posted. 
 

[HTPCnut]

UPDATE:

Indeed...
Seems to me like MC12 doesn't run well on Windows 2000 (Pro). At least not on my system, and I gave it a clean install and all... The video/sound has infrequent drop-outs and glitches... - no fun at all. Using the same PC, just a different partition (the one with XP), and everything is dandy; no problems whatsoever. 

Hey, MC 12 Team:
With regard to MC13, I suggest you drop "Win2K" from your software compatibility list!   
Or is there anyone out there who got movies/music running without a hitch on Win2K Pro?? Would be interesting to know...

Thanks... anyway!!!

[Alex B]

Do you have the latest DirectX installed?

.mpg video files to play properly in MC12.

".mpg" is a container file type. What is the exact format? What codecs were used in creating the files?

If you don't know you coud try the GSpot tool.

EDIT

DirectX for W2k Pro is available here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&displaylang=en

[Alex B]

BTW, my old PC in my home office has W2k Pro. I have not recently used it for video playback, but I don't recall having any problems with playing my video files.

It has a first generation 1.4 GHz AMD Athlon CPU so I don't think it would able to play MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 encoded stuff, but my MPEG2 and Xvid avi files worked fine.

I could update its codecs and MC12 and give it a try (It has been several months since I did any updates).

[HTPCnut]

Thanks, Alex B!

I'm sure I have the latest [complete/functional] Codecs, including DirectX 9c ("...newer or most recent version installed; no installation necessary"). That's not the problem, I believe. I actually used the GraphStudio tool before -to which I was pointed by JimH in connection with the DirectShow Playback Guide- to figure things out...

              http://blog.monogram.sk/janos/tools/monogram-graphstudio/

...and to find out what may be wrong with my codecs - but all checked out fine, or so it seemed. And if there was something wrong/mixed up, I fixed it.
 
Well, that was during the initial Win2K install. Now, it's a brand new, clean install, but the files still don't play properly. I used the same procedures, codecs,  programs for the Win2K setup, as I used for the XP setup. And yet, only the XP setup plays fine.

I used GSpot to figure out more, but I can't really interpret its findings. I can see that there are some issues, but I don't know what to do about it... maybe you can point me in the right direction? (No codec corruption notice, or such, though.)
If I could only figure out how to either post a picture here, or make GSpot generate a text output - I'd love to share the results... Any pointers what I need to do? The GSpot manual is kinda thin; not much help there, it seems.

As far as the problem files are concerned:
Those are music videos in .MPG format. Since I didn't create them myself, I can't tell which codecs were used to create them. GSpot shows "MPEG-1", and lists the status as "Codec(s) are Installed".

More:

GSpot "Proposed Codec Solutions and Tests:
Render OK. The following combination of filters was used:
(Src)-->>--(A)-->[MPEG-1 Stream Splitter ]>--(B)-->[MPEG Video Decoder ]>--(C)-->[Video Renderer]
(Src)-->>--(A)-->[MPEG-1 Stream Splitter ]>--(B)-->[fffdshow Audio Decoder ]>--(C)-->[Default DirectSound Device]"

However, the above is nothing new. That's exactly what GraphStudio already showed me...
On the video side, when rendering the file, I get a few "Failed to connect Output pin [e.g. 0x046a8104] ('Video') on MPEG-1 splitter to input pin.... [..]", and that doesn't seem to be right. However, it all ends in "Video Renderer OK." -- What to make of this??
Same, BTW, goes for the Audio side of things; a few "Failed to connect Output pin.." do show.

So... could the MPEG-1 Stream Splitter be the issue?
I use the same Codec pack with XP, and it works just fine.   ? ?

Anybody have some more ideas/suggestions... please??
~~Thanks!
 

[bob]

I'm having no troubles on win2k pro w/ cccp and WMP 9. I'm testing some different mpeg file formats to see if I can find one that has trouble. Perhaps you could put one of your problematic ones somewhere I can get it?

[HTPCnut]

Hi, Bob -
Thanks; that's almost what I thought. Maybe, it's just my setup/hardware/software... I dunno. This most recent Win2K install wasn't my first (rather the 50th, or so...), but something is not working right; that's for sure.

How can I share one of the "problem child..." uhem, "problem files" with you, most easily?   
I doubt it's the file, but, hey! - I'd like to give it a try! It's a 35MB file.

I don't have access to a web server anymore (I took my site down 2 years ago..). What other options are there? I'm good downloading files using BitTorrent, but I have no clue how to seed one...
 
Any ideas?
Thanks, A.

[Alex B]

I have no clue how to seed one...

www.rapidshare.com

Use the forum PM system and send the link to Bob and me.

EDIT

I am not sure if the PM system is immediately available for new users. They had some spam problems a while ago. If it does not work yet maybe Bob could open it for you or we can use e-mail. Naturally, if the file is not copyrighted you can post the link here.

[HTPCnut]

Wow... This really is a neat solution!! Thanks, Bob!

Here's the link:
  http://rapidshare.com/files/93022697/Wolfmother_-_Joker_And_The_Thief__Jackass_in_Sydney_.mpg.html

BTW, you won't have to listen through the entire file - especially if you don't dig 'Wolfmother'... 

You should already notice Johnny Knoxville's intro being distorted (after 5 seconds, or so)... On my Win2K machine, he's not getting those three sentences out without any drop-outs in sound / video. On my XP partition, however, it all sounds just fine.

I'm anxious to hear if you notice anything...
Thanks!

P.S.: I don't think this file is copyrighted, as it is just a music video recorded off MTV/VH1, or so... [If you think it's an issue, just let me know and I'll kill the link right away..- Thx!]

 

[JimH]

P.S.: I don't think this file is copyrighted, as it is just a music video recorded off MTV/VH1, or so... [If you think it's an issue, just let me know and I'll kill the link right away..- Thx!]

Thanks for caring.  I don't think anyone will go to jail for trying to solve the problem you have.

[HTPCnut]

Thanks, JimH... - let's hope so!     [he.. he..!]

[HTPCnut]

One more thing I'd like to add:

Win2K Pro:

• I just installed Quicktime (for Win2K / v6.5.2) -- and it plays just fine!! [in QT Player] [former post corrected!] .
• I installed Winamp 5.52 -- plays just fine, no issues at all!
• Installed highest Windows Media Player version possible for Win2K (v9) -- drop-outs  ...
• Played the file on the Win2K machine, using MediaPlayer Classic -- drop-outs  ; same as in MC12

XP Pro:

• Plays the video fine in both in MediaPlayer Classic and in Winamp.

I'm kinda convinced this is a codec issue...
What are Winamp and Quicktime doing differently for Win2K's video playback? And why is the output different in Win2K than it is in WinXP...- with all the software/codecs being exactly the same???

...weird!!!   

[bob]

Plays perfect for me, with the exception of the over-modulated sound 

Here is my graph info (I've got WMP9, DirectX (most recent version), CCCP 2007-07-22, a 3.4 ghz P4 w/ 8400 Nvidia)
it's using about 10% of the cpu when playing:

Filter Graph Info:

    Filter 'Default DirectSound Device'
        CLSID: {79376820-07D0-11CF-A24D-0020AFD79767}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Input Pin 'Audio Input pin (rendered)'
            Connected to pin 'Out' of filter 'ffdshow Audio Decoder'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_PCM, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

    Filter 'Video Mixing Renderer 9'
        CLSID: {51B4ABF3-748F-4E3B-A276-C828330E926A}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Input Pin 'VMR Input0'
            Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'MPEG Video Decoder'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_YUY2, Format type FORMAT_VideoInfo2
        Input Pin 'VMR Input1'

    Filter 'ffdshow Audio Decoder'
        CLSID: {0F40E1E5-4F79-4988-B1A9-CC98794E6B55}
        Filename: C:\Program Files\Combined Community Codec Pack\Filters\FFDShow\ffdshow.ax
        Output Pin 'Out'
            Connected to pin 'Audio Input pin (rendered)' of filter 'Default DirectSound Device'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_PCM, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx
        Input Pin 'In'
            Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Audio'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1AudioPayload, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

    Filter 'MPEG Video Decoder'
        CLSID: {FEB50740-7BEF-11CE-9BD9-0000E202599C}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Input Pin 'Input'
            Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Video'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1Payload, Format type FORMAT_MPEGVideo
        Output Pin 'Output'
            Connected to pin 'VMR Input0' of filter 'Video Mixing Renderer 9'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_YUY2, Format type FORMAT_VideoInfo2

    Filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Audio'
        CLSID: {A4207487-E7D8-406B-9882-B66370DE2492}
        Filename:
        Input Pin 'Input'
            Connected to pin 'Audio' of filter 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1AudioPayload, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx
        Output Pin 'Output'
            Connected to pin 'In' of filter 'ffdshow Audio Decoder'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1AudioPayload, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

    Filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Video'
        CLSID: {A4207487-E7D8-406B-9882-B66370DE2492}
        Filename:
        Input Pin 'Input'
            Connected to pin 'Video' of filter 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1Payload, Format type FORMAT_MPEGVideo
        Output Pin 'Output'
            Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'MPEG Video Decoder'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1Payload, Format type FORMAT_MPEGVideo

    Filter 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter'
        CLSID: {336475D0-942A-11CE-A870-00AA002FEAB5}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Input Pin 'Input'
            Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\My Videos\Wolfmother_-_Joker_And_The_Thief__Jackass_in_Sydney_.mpg'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Stream  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1System, Format type TIME_FORMAT_NONE
        Output Pin 'Video'
            Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Video'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1Payload, Format type FORMAT_MPEGVideo
        Output Pin 'Audio'
            Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Audio'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1AudioPayload, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

    Filter 'C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\My Videos\Wolfmother_-_Joker_And_The_Thief__Jackass_in_Sydney_.mpg'
        CLSID: {E436EBB5-524F-11CE-9F53-0020AF0BA770}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Output Pin 'Output'
            Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Stream  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1System, Format type TIME_FORMAT_NONE

[HTPCnut]

Bob,

Thanks for having a look at it...
I'm at a total loss right now, and I have not the slightest idea what is causing these issues for me in Win2K. I'll check your detailed graph info later tonight. Maybe, I'll be able to get the same "codec/filter/splitter setup" arranged...

I'll get back to you guys if I find out anything.
-- THANKS!

Armin

[Yaobing]

For this particular file, the most important filters in Bob's graph are 'MPEG Video Decoder' and 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter',  both are DirectShow stock filters. Make sure you have the latest DirectX from Microsoft (DirectX 9.0c).

[Yaobing]

Here's the my DirectShow info.. - maybe it's a start, and there is something obviously wrong with it?

DirectX 9.0c  /   Registered DirectShow Filters:
AC3File -  AC3Filter -  ACM Wrapper -   AVI Decompressor   
AVI Draw  -   AVI Splitter  - AVI/WAV File Source  - Avi Source   
Avi Splitter  - BDA MPE Filter  - BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter   
BDA Slip De-Framer   -  Color Space Converter  - DC-Bass Source   
DV Muxer  - DV Splitter  - DV Video Decoder  - Default DirectSound Device   
Default MidiOut Device  - DirectVobSub (auto-loading version)   
DivX Decoder Filter -  FLV Source -   FLV Splitter -  FLV4 Video Decoder   
File Source (Async.) -  File Source (Monkey Audio) -  File Source (URL)   
File stream renderer  - Haali Media Splitter -  Haali Media Splitter (AR)   
Internal Script Command Renderer  - JRiver Video Decoder Filter   
Line 21 Decoder -  Line 21 Decoder 2  -  Lyric Parser  -  MIDI Parser   
MJPEG Decompressor  - MP4 Source   -  MP4 Splitter   
MPEG Audio Decoder  -  MPEG Layer-3 Decoder  -  MPEG Video Decoder   
MPEG-2 Video Decoder (Gabest)  -  MPEG-I Stream Splitter   
MPEG4 Video Source  -  MPEG4 Video Splitter  -   Matroska Source   
Matroska Splitter  - Mpeg Splitter  -   Multi-file Parser   
Overlay Mixer2  -  QT Decompressor   -  QuickTime Movie Parser   
SAMI (CC) Parser  - VGA 16 Color Ditherer  -  VP6 Decompressor   
VP7 Decompressor  -  Video Port Manager  -  Video Renderer   
WM ASF Reader  -  WM ASF Writer  -   WavPack Audio Decoder   
WavPack Audio Splitter   - Wave Parser
ffdshow Audio Decoder  -   ffdshow Video Decoder 
madFlac Decoder  -  madFlac Source   

[Note: the above are not all installed/selected for MC12 video playback; just in case you're wondering]

I see that you have DirectX 9.0c.  Also the graph proposed by GSpot is exactly like what Bob got. However, the failure message from GSpot may suggest that there is something wrong with DirectShow on your computer. So you should consider reinstalling DirectX.

[Yaobing]

Also, you should try selecting a video renderer - VideoMixingRenderer9, or Legacy Video Renderer.

Another possibility to consider is your display driver. It is the most updated version for W2K?

[HTPCnut]

...

[HTPCnut]

Thanks, Yaobing - I'll give it a shot!

I think you might be on the right track with your suggestions concerning DirectX, Win2K upgrades and a different video renderer... Even though everything seems to be of latest date and in order with my system, some little piece in the puzzle is not working properly. I'm going to make some replacements and also check on any other drivers/software (video card etc.). Maybe, any of those have a (negative) impact on the video playback performance? 

I read yesterday (in the 'freak problems' section) that there is/was an issue with the quartz.dll, at least for ATI/AMC cards and HD (I believe..). Maybe, and even though I have neither one (eVGA 7600GT, no HD), I might replace that .dll, too - it won't hurt, so I hope. Are there any other -critical- .dll or other 'components' I should have a closer look at..?

However, the big questions remains: Why don't I have any problems playing these files in Quicktime or Winamp, but all other players produce drop-outs etc. ??    ?

I'll get back to you with my findings, guys (-> JimH, bob, AlexB, Yaobing...etc.]
Thanks a lot for the continued support - you [still] ROCK!!! 

Armin

[Matt]

However, the big questions remains: Why don't I have any problems playing these files in Quicktime or Winamp, but all other players produce drop-outs etc. ??    ?

Quicktime and Winamp don't use Directshow filters.  This can have some advantages because bad filters cause us grief.

However, good filters (and there are a lot of them) allow us to support just about any file type, video DSP, hardware acceleration, etc.

[glynor]

I should really read this more thoroughly before I comment, but...

A bunch of those filters you listed here:

DirectX 9.0c  /   Registered DirectShow Filters:
AC3File -  AC3Filter -  ACM Wrapper -   AVI Decompressor   
AVI Draw  -   AVI Splitter  - AVI/WAV File Source  - Avi Source   
Avi Splitter  - BDA MPE Filter  - BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter   
BDA Slip De-Framer   -  Color Space Converter  - DC-Bass Source   
DV Muxer  - DV Splitter  - DV Video Decoder  - Default DirectSound Device   
Default MidiOut Device  - DirectVobSub (auto-loading version)   
DivX Decoder Filter -  FLV Source -   FLV Splitter -  FLV4 Video Decoder   
File Source (Async.) -  File Source (Monkey Audio) -  File Source (URL)   
File stream renderer  - Haali Media Splitter -  Haali Media Splitter (AR)   
Internal Script Command Renderer  - JRiver Video Decoder Filter   
Line 21 Decoder -  Line 21 Decoder 2  -  Lyric Parser  -  MIDI Parser   
MJPEG Decompressor  - MP4 Source   -  MP4 Splitter   
MPEG Audio Decoder  -  MPEG Layer-3 Decoder  -  MPEG Video Decoder   
MPEG-2 Video Decoder (Gabest)  -  MPEG-I Stream Splitter   
MPEG4 Video Source  -  MPEG4 Video Splitter  -   Matroska Source   
Matroska Splitter  - Mpeg Splitter  -   Multi-file Parser   
Overlay Mixer2  -  QT Decompressor   -  QuickTime Movie Parser   
SAMI (CC) Parser  - VGA 16 Color Ditherer  -  VP6 Decompressor   
VP7 Decompressor  -  Video Port Manager  -  Video Renderer   
WM ASF Reader  -  WM ASF Writer  -   WavPack Audio Decoder   
WavPack Audio Splitter   - Wave Parser
ffdshow Audio Decoder  -   ffdshow Video Decoder 
madFlac Decoder  -  madFlac Source   

Are either "known-bad", old, or conflicting (and unnecessary).  One "instinct" when combating these types of problems seems to be "if one filter doesn't work, add more and more until you find something that works".  This is VERY wrong!  I would strongly recommend:

1. Go through Add/Remove Programs and uninstall EVERYTHING remotely DirectShow filter-like and especially any "Filter Packs" you might have (including CCCP for now).  You want to get rid of all those splitters, filters, and other weird stuff that might be impacting playback.  You want to remove things like: DirectVobSub, ffdshow, CoreVorbis, CoreAAC, XviD, DivX, AC3Filter, etc.  I see from that list above that you seem to have some of the old MKV Splitters and MP4Splitters installed.  Make sure to kill them off.

2. Reinstall DirectX.  This isn't super easy because the DirectX installer won't replace files that it "thinks" are already there.  However, your problem could be related to Quartz.dll (the DirectShow DLL).  I would do this to "trick" it.  Reboot to Safe Mode.  Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\ (it might be C:\WinNT\System32\ on your system) and find Quartz.dll.  Rename it to Quartz.old (or something similar).  Then reboot to "normal mode"...

Now, reinstall DirectX 9.0c. Download it from Microsoft here.  Do not use any previously downloaded copies, or anything from a CD-Rom disc you might have lying around.  The one linked above is the latest-and-greatest version for Windows 2000.

3. Download CCCP Insurgent here.  Run it.  Make sure it doesn't list any installed Codec Packs.  If it does, go back into Add/Remove Programs (in the Control Panel) and remove them.  Those that are marked with Uninstalled are no longer on your computer, so don't look for them. Confirm with "Yes to all" if you are asked whether to delete certain files or not. If you are asked whether you want to reboot then reboot, but after that come back to the Add/Remove Programs list and continue removing any packs listed as Installed. Do not touch the "Register Filter" and "Unregister Filter" buttons!

4. REBOOT!!!   VERY IMPORTANT!  DON'T SKIP IT BECAUSE YOU ARE LAZY!

5. Download and install the latest CCCP from here.  Install it.  Make sure to let it "reset all settings" when it is installing.  Reboot again.  Test the results.  If this fixed things, then check the "What Do You Need" section of the DirectShow Playback Guide to add in anything else you might need (including RealAlternative and Quicktime).

6. If this still doesn't seem to help, try switching your Video Renderer to Legacy (Overlay) for all video types.  This might be more compatible with your particular video card... Especially if you have an older one or onboard one (part of the motherboard).  If this is indeed the problem, you might really want to consider just moving to Windows XP if possible.  A lot of the older drivers for Windows 2000 were pretty flaky, especially Video Card drivers.  Windows 2000 was really not designed for multimedia or gaming use, and 3rd party video card vendors didn't put a lot of effort into making sure everything worked properly in this realm.

[glynor]

PS.  If none of the above works, blame movax.

[HTPCnut]

Wow..! This is some powerful advice you have for me, Sir... 
-- Thanks a bunch, glynor!!!

I'll do as you suggest, and then post my findings/results. I feel like I finally have a handle on the situation now - at least, I know where to start...

As far as the "truckload" of filters, splitters "and other weird stuff" is concerned:
This just reflects the "basic" version of K-Lite's  codec pack. I've tried CCCP before, but with same (negative) results. I've added DivX, since I use it a lot, but that was pretty much it. Since that post already is a couple of days old and I've been adding/deleting a number of codecs (and tried different codec packs), I will post an updated version once I'm done.
Also, I am aware that -in terms of codecs- "more" never means "better", as they might cause conflicts and hurt playback quality. Well, even though I knew that little bit already, I did not know which ones to pick and/or drop; you've given me some excellent advice where to start.

I managed -somehow- to get DirectX 9c installed again yesterday, direct off the MS website (release date Nov. '07), and I'm confident it is the most recent version available. But, I'll give it another try later tonight...

Thank You!

[JONCAT]

If someone is going to install CCCP on a fresh install, should they install with all the options, specifically, FFDshow? I see the new version of CCCP includes a rather new version of FFDshow.

thanks
DC

[glynor]

If someone is going to install CCCP on a fresh install, should they install with all the options, specifically, FFDshow? I see the new version of CCCP includes a rather new version of FFDshow.

The only thing I ever de-select is the FLV Splitter, because the one included with MC is better.

FFDSHOW is effectively the "core" of CCCP.  If you de-select it, you might as well not even use CCCP!

I managed -somehow- to get DirectX 9c installed again yesterday, direct off the MS website (release date Nov. '07), and I'm confident it is the most recent version available. But, I'll give it another try later tonight...

Right.  Unfortunately, though, if you already have (or had) DX9 installed, and you tried to do the reinstall, it won't replace files already there that may or may not be corrupted.  The best option is, of course, a complete wipe and reinstall.  This isn't fun though, so deleting/renaming quartz.dll should do the trick.  At least DirectShow will be fixed for sure then!!

[Alex B]

Finally I had some time to try my W2k Pro PC. As I expected, it didn't have any problems with playing the file (or any other MPEG1 file).

First I tried it with my old setup, which was literally old: A Matroska filter pack with FFDShow from the year 2005 and MC12.0.224.

Then I removed all old DS filters, installed the latest CCCP and updated MC.

Both setups worked perfectly fine. I didn't select any filters or other DS playback options in MC. Everything was set to use the defaults.

Here is the filter chain of the updated configuration:

Filter Graph Info:

    Filter 'Default DirectSound Device'
        CLSID: {79376820-07D0-11CF-A24D-0020AFD79767}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Input Pin 'Audio Input pin (rendered)'
            Connected to pin 'Out' of filter 'ffdshow Audio Decoder'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_PCM, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

    Filter 'Video Mixing Renderer 9'
        CLSID: {51B4ABF3-748F-4E3B-A276-C828330E926A}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Input Pin 'VMR Input0'
            Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'MPEG Video Decoder'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_YUY2, Format type FORMAT_VideoInfo2
        Input Pin 'VMR Input1'

    Filter 'ffdshow Audio Decoder'
        CLSID: {0F40E1E5-4F79-4988-B1A9-CC98794E6B55}
        Filename: C:\Soft\CCCP\Filters\FFDShow\ffdshow.ax
        Output Pin 'Out'
            Connected to pin 'Audio Input pin (rendered)' of filter 'Default DirectSound Device'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_PCM, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx
        Input Pin 'In'
            Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Audio'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1AudioPayload, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

    Filter 'MPEG Video Decoder'
        CLSID: {FEB50740-7BEF-11CE-9BD9-0000E202599C}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Input Pin 'Input'
            Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Video'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1Payload, Format type FORMAT_MPEGVideo
        Output Pin 'Output'
            Connected to pin 'VMR Input0' of filter 'Video Mixing Renderer 9'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_YUY2, Format type FORMAT_VideoInfo2

    Filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Audio'
        CLSID: {A4207487-E7D8-406B-9882-B66370DE2492}
        Filename:
        Input Pin 'Input'
            Connected to pin 'Audio' of filter 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1AudioPayload, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx
        Output Pin 'Output'
            Connected to pin 'In' of filter 'ffdshow Audio Decoder'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1AudioPayload, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

    Filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Video'
        CLSID: {A4207487-E7D8-406B-9882-B66370DE2492}
        Filename:
        Input Pin 'Input'
            Connected to pin 'Video' of filter 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1Payload, Format type FORMAT_MPEGVideo
        Output Pin 'Output'
            Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'MPEG Video Decoder'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1Payload, Format type FORMAT_MPEGVideo

    Filter 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter'
        CLSID: {336475D0-942A-11CE-A870-00AA002FEAB5}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Input Pin 'Input'
            Connected to pin 'Output' of filter 'C:\Test\Wolfmother_-_Joker_And_The_Thief__Jackass_in_Sydney_.mpg'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Stream  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1System, Format type TIME_FORMAT_NONE
        Output Pin 'Video'
            Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Video'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Video  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1Payload, Format type FORMAT_MPEGVideo
        Output Pin 'Audio'
            Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'JRiver Media Proxy Audio'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Audio  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1AudioPayload, Format type FORMAT_WaveFormatEx

    Filter 'C:\Test\Wolfmother_-_Joker_And_The_Thief__Jackass_in_Sydney_.mpg'
        CLSID: {E436EBB5-524F-11CE-9F53-0020AF0BA770}
        Filename: C:\WINNT\system32\quartz.dll
        Output Pin 'Output'
            Connected to pin 'Input' of filter 'MPEG-I Stream Splitter'
            Major type MEDIATYPE_Stream  Sub type MEDIASUBTYPE_MPEG1System, Format type TIME_FORMAT_NONE

[HTPCnut]

Well, guys... I guess this is it for me - as far as the rather tragic symbiosis of Win2K & MC12 is concerned: 

I'd like to thank you all for spending some time on trying to solve this rather strange video playback issue of mine. But, it seems my Win2K machine is possessed!! {AMEN!} I simply don't have any other explanation, and there really is not logical reason for these playback issues after 'cleaning 'er out & fixing 'er up' again.. (he he!).  All that's left for me to do now, is to put an end to my poor Win2K-setup's audio & video sufferings [".. where the hell is my nailgun?!!"]   

On a more serious note...
I followed the various -and especially Alex B's- instructions meticulously, but the video playback -together with the sound- actually got way worse than it was before I nuked my codec packs and got rid of all my filters, splitters and other audio/video critters (which were happily feasting off my system's in- and outputs before). [NOTE: This sub-par result is most likely my own fault, as I deleted every single "DirectShow" entry I could find with 'Codec Sniper' - and then verified with 'CCCP Insurgent' that only 51 codecs -or so- were left. Might have caused some collateral damage to properly working codecs, me thinks... ~ mea culpa. In hindsight, I doubt it was the correct procedure...]

I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and buy yet another XP Pro license; it could be worse. Fortunately, it's payday again on Friday... [Hooray!!  ]   I promise, MC12 will find a good home on my HDD's partition, the one that used to hold the poor, old Win2K OS (sniff...)... 

-- The heck with it!!!     I'm actually much looking forward to using MC12 with XP now! That "old Geezer" [=Win2K] simply wasn't up to the task; at least, not on my system. Fortunately, XP/MC12 didn't show any signs of trouble when I tried it out a few days ago... [!knock on wood!]

OK, that's it..
- Thanks & Good-night from Chi-town!
  Armin

[glynor]

I doubt that it is specifically Windows 2000's fault.... If you want, try a new fresh install of Windows 2000 on a separate drive.  I bet it'll be fine.  Something is probably just wrong with that specific Win2k install (though if it isn't quartz.dll then I don't know what it is).

Who knows though...!

[HTPCnut]

glynor,

You're probably right. It dawned on me, late yesterday, that I may have been a bit too through with deleting the DS entries, etc. Your instructions were excellent, no doubt, I just might have overdone it and deleted too many Win2K/Microsoft system files [.dll] in the process - which probably were not supposed to be deleted. I have to admit that I probably messed up following your instructions in this regard...

I'll try again tomorrow, with a clean install of Win2K, and revert.

Thanks!

P.S.: After messing up my Win2K 'codec landscape', I've used your instructions to weed out everything unwanted/not needed with my MC12 / XP installation. I went through the steps and everything worked just fine afterwards, no problems...  However, I haven't had any problems with MC12 / XP before - so this might not proof too much...

[HTPCnut]

...and I forgot to Blame Movax (http://www.cccp-project.net/wiki/index.php?title=Blame_Movax) - which probably made matters worse... 

[glynor]

...and I forgot to Blame Movax (http://www.cccp-project.net/wiki/index.php?title=Blame_Movax) - which probably made matters worse... 

Right.  And, I mean, if movax is responsible for this, who knows what other evil he could be responsible for!

[HTPCnut]

"EUREKA - IT'S ALIVE.. again!!!"

I know, you must be pretty tired reading my "Dang!-it-still-doesn't-work!!!" posts over the last week, or so, but that's a thing of the past now... 
Even though it's all more or less what glynor (thanks, buddy!!) had recommend already below, I would like to give you the 'Cliff Notes' on how I resurrected my failing -and codec-challenged- Win2K/MC12 installation. Maybe it'll come in handy for you some day, too (...and just in case glynor is on vacation  :

Step 1: Re-install Win2K by deleting the existing partition & having Windows format it over again (NTFS);
Step 2: Install Motherboard drivers & Windows 2000 SP 3+4;
Step 3: Download the latest DirectX9c... and install in Safe Mode. Don't be confused if it actually shows older dates (2006, 2007) inside the extracted DirectX9c folder. If in doubt, just re-install DirectX again -after leaving Safe Mode- using the latest version you've downloaded from Microsoft.com. DirectX will let you know if you already have the most recent version installed, so don't worry about it...
Step 4: Check with CCCP Insurgent that no Codec Packs are installed (..probably not necessary, since it's a fresh install - but I got a little bit paranoid in that regard over the last week, and I didn't want to leave anything to chance...);
Step 5: Install CCCP Codec Pack, not making any changes(!) to the suggested default settings... (no - none at all!)
Step 6: Let www.windowsupdate.com install a few more updates...
Step 7: Grab English Pub-sized Pint glass (.473 liters) & fill it up with ice. Pour in 4 shotglasses of Vodka, and fill up with Red Bull (or any other Energy Drink... e.g. AMP) to the rim. Start drinking and don't stop until glass is emptied - OTHERWISE, MOVAX WILL MESS UP YOUR INSTALL !!   Blame Movax here; even if there's no logical reason for it... it sure works!! --> http://www.cccp-project.net/wiki/index.php?title=Blame_Movax]
Step 8: Install MC12 and play "Wolfmother - Joker And The Thief (Jackass in Sydney)" [--..yes, it has to be that MPEG1 video!!!]
Step 9: Sit back & enjoy the undistorted sound, without any drop-outs whatsoever!!!! 


That's it, I'm a 'Happy Camper' again ...who just happened to save $100 on yet another WinXP license!!

THANKS, MC12 Board/Support/Admins !!!!!
Keep up the excellent work!!    

Armin

[hit_ny]

Step 7: Grab English Pub-sized Pint glass (.473 liters)

sorry not to be of much help but here's what an English pint really is

you've been short-changed!

[Alex B]

HTPCnut,

How many of those pints did you have?   

Jim might have something to say about the "CliffsNotes" part. I think he has a special relationship with that word.