AVI Snaps/ Video Files

[Visitor Q]

I can not get the avi snaps to load in Game Ex. I don't get sound or anything and I know I have the path right in the setup file. All I get is a blank screen.

OS is Vista 64

I read some of the other posts and downloaded the following...

Vista Codec x64 Components 1.5.1 Final

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download5535.html

When I click on them in Media Player they play the sound but no video but in Game Ex, they don't load at all.

Help Please!

There are posts after posts about this with no answer? WHY!?

[bkenobi]

GameEx works with codecs you have installed on your computer. If they don't play in Windows, they will NEVER play in GameEx. The first step is to get things working in Windows.

NOTE: The general rule is that you MUST have things working in Windows on its own before you try to use it in GameEx. GameEx is a fancy loader, so if it doesn't work on it's own, it won't ever work at all!

[Visitor Q]

GameEx works with codecs you have installed on your computer. If they don't play in Windows, they will NEVER play in GameEx. The first step is to get things working in Windows.

NOTE: The general rule is that you MUST have things working in Windows on its own before you try to use it in GameEx. GameEx is a fancy loader, so if it doesn't work on it's own, it won't ever work at all!

So what codec am I missing then?

ps. Sorry about the post after post thing, I had my forum views configured wrong. My Bad.

[Rapid Fire]

So what codec am I missing then?

ps. Sorry about the post after post thing, I had my forum views configured wrong. My Bad.

On the front page under the Other Downloads section get the FFDshow codecs.

[lalandev]

Hi!

The thing to understand is: Vista x64 doesn't have all his programs and processes in 64bits. In fact, just to give you an example, your system have Windows Media Player 11 in both 32 and 64 bits installed at the same time (in Program Files for the 64 and Program Files (x86) for the 32).

When you use the WMP11 shortcut, by default, it starts the 32bits version, so technically, if you installed some 64bits codecs, they wont apply to the 32bits version.

So, here's the point: GameEx is a 32bit application, so it will use only 32bits codecs, unless Tom says otherwise but I'm pretty sure.

That's why your stuff plays properly in Vista Media Center (uses Media Player 64 bits in background) but not in GameEx.

Install the regular FFDShow from free-codecs.com and everything should be fine.

[bkenobi]

Thanks for the explanation! I wouldn't have guessed there were 32- and 64-bit codecs.

[lalandev]

Thanks for the explanation! I wouldn't have guessed there were 32- and 64-bit codecs.

Yeah that's why I stay away of x64 for an HTPC. It is a pain in the a$$ to configure Vista Media Center to use correctly x64 codecs. Plus, if your familiar with Matroska container file... try to find a x64 codec that works properly...

[bkenobi]

Hmmm, haven't heard of Matroska before. Looks like a newer/nicer version of AVI. The only thing that I HATE about AVI is that I don't know how to figure out what codec the file requires. Hopefully Matroska gives a way to figure it out.

[Visitor Q]

Well this is what I can tell you.

Once you install the 64 bit codec you can select to run the 32 or 64 bit version of media center for a start up menu option, both played sound but did not show the picture for the avisnaps. What I did do was this to get it to work. When I ran the selected avi file it told me that it needed a codec so I click on the help file link following the prompts which took me to a page with the selected file I needed to install. Needless to say, windows did something right for once and it is fixed and working, thank God for that.

Thanks for the info. guys.

I guess I will not install anymore codecs at this point since everything is working or should I?

[lalandev]

Honestly, the only 3 codecs that you need to install are:

FFDShow http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm

Haali Media Splitter (the Matroska I talked about earlier) http://haali.cs.msu.ru/mkv/

QuickTime Alternative (if you need it, personally I hate .MOV) http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QuickT...Alternative.htm

Please, stay away of all the Codecs Pack, they MAY seem to work, but Vista Media Center is one picky piece of software. It doesn't take much to screw his codecs links, priority and all.

With these 3 components, you should be able play anything. Just be alert when you install FFDshow, don't forget to tick the boxes [MPEG1 Video codec] and [MPEG2 Video codec]. This way, FFDshow takes over Vista Media Center when it needs to decode older video.

Last tip:

http://paul.glagla.free.fr/filmerit_en.htm

This is the best software I found to repair codecs. This small application will scan your machine and tells you if some codecs are broken. Most of the time, it fix automatically the problems.

I hope it will helps you a little.

[Visitor Q]

With that said, I did download and install Vista Codec x64 Components 1.5.1 Final. Should I uninstall that first before installing the others you listed?

Should I download the repair codecs and scan before doing anything?

If everything works, should I apply "if it not broke, don't fix it"?

[Rapid Fire]

Hmmm, haven't heard of Matroska before. Looks like a newer/nicer version of AVI. The only thing that I HATE about AVI is that I don't know how to figure out what codec the file requires. Hopefully Matroska gives a way to figure it out.

There is a very nifty application you can use to find out what codec any video file requires and if it is installed on your system or not.

Go to http://gspot.headbands.com/ to get the program.

[lalandev]

With that said, I did download and install Vista Codec x64 Components 1.5.1 Final. Should I uninstall that first before installing the others you listed?

Should I download the repair codecs and scan before doing anything?

If everything works, should I apply "if it not broke, don't fix it"?

I totally agree with the "if it not broke, don't fix it" philosophy. But, maybe one day, you'll download a movie encoded with an "exotic" codec and your codec pack will not play it, for God knows why the reason.

But, if you want to do it:

1. uninstall your codec pack

2. reboot

3. user Filmerit (the tool)

4. reboot

5. Install FFDShow et Matroska

6. reboot

Should be perfect. Another question, where do you send your sound? Analog connections on your sound card? SPDIF optical or coaxial to an AV Receiver? If you use SPDIF, there a few tweakings to do pass the Dolby Digital and DTS to the receiver...

[Visitor Q]

Honestly, I am going to blow out Vista 64 and reinstall it all. I am a perfectionist and there are a few installs after looking at things that I want to go about different. Now that I have a handle on a few of these things I would just rather format and start from scratch.

Let me ask you this because I am trusting you on this one. When I reinstall Vista 64, the only two Codec's I need to install are:

FFDShow http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm

Haali Media Splitter (the Matroska I talked about earlier) http://haali.cs.msu.ru/mkv/

These two codec will suit all my Media Center needs in 64, correct? I should not install the Vista 64 Codec Pack?

This PC is going to be hooked directly up to my TV and Stereo Receiver.

SPDIF output to a DD and DTS receiver.

[bkenobi]

Cool! I'll check that program out next time I have a problem with an avi.

[lalandev]

Honestly, I am going to blow out Vista 64 and reinstall it all. I am a perfectionist and there are a few installs after looking at things that I want to go about different. Now that I have a handle on a few of these things I would just rather format and start from scratch.

Let me ask you this because I am trusting you on this one. When I reinstall Vista 64, the only two Codec's I need to install are:

FFDShow http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm

Haali Media Splitter (the Matroska I talked about earlier) http://haali.cs.msu.ru/mkv/

These two codec will suit all my Media Center needs in 64, correct? I should not install the Vista 64 Codec Pack?

This PC is going to be hooked directly up to my TV and Stereo Receiver.

SPDIF output to a DD and DTS receiver.

1. If you use Vista Media Center and GameEx ONLY for games, you must absolutely install x64 codecs because VMC uses the 64bit player in the background.

2. If you use GameEx to do all, install 32bits codecs.

Here's the path for FFDShow x64 and Matroska x64

http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.p...lease_id=523000

When you install FFDshow, in the audio section, don't forget to tick SPDIF for AC3 and DTS, this way your Dolby Digital signal will passthrough to your Receiver without been decoded by FFDshow

http://downloads.sourceforge.net/guliverkl...mp;big_mirror=0

To install the Matroska file, type: regsvr32 "path to the file"\blablabla.ax

The only other cool thing I install is Media Control.

http://damienbt.free.fr/

It fix the Fast Forward "problem" on your remote when watching a divx or something...

[Visitor Q]

I mean I don't want to limited myself here but my plans are more so the first choice than the second.

Can't I install both or bad idea?

Also your link above says AMD64, I am running on a Intel Dual Core... Does that matter?

...and just to make sure, I want only these two?

Here's the path for FFDShow x64 and Matroska x64

http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.p...lease_id=523000

When you install FFDshow, in the audio section, don't forget to tick SPDIF for AC3 and DTS, this way your Dolby Digital signal will passthrough to your Receiver without been decoded by FFDshow

http://downloads.sourceforge.net/guliverkl...mp;big_mirror=0

[bkenobi]

Whatever you do, just be careful. It's easy to get codecs messed up and harder to get them working again. I highly recommend against installing a bunch of different packs all at once. This can REALLY mess things up to a point where a format may be easier than fixing them.

[lalandev]

Can't I install both or bad idea?

Yes, installing both 32 and 64bit codecs at the same time WILL cause conflict and/or instability (trust me, I'v tinkered a lot with Vista as an HTPC)

Also your link above says AMD64, I am running on a Intel Dual Core... Does that matter?

...and just to make sure, I want only these two?

Yep AMD64 got the same infrastructure as Core2Duo. And don't worry, these 2 are enough... just don't forget to tick MPEG1 and MPEG2 in the video section when you install FFDshow.

Good luck!

[Visitor Q]

Yes, installing both 32 and 64bit codecs at the same time WILL cause conflict and/or instability (trust me, I'v tinkered a lot with Vista as an HTPC)

Yep AMD64 got the same infrastructure as Core2Duo. And don't worry, these 2 are enough... just don't forget to tick MPEG1 and MPEG2 in the video section when you install FFDshow.

Got luck!

Cool.

I am on a fresh install with SP1 now for Vista 64 so everything is as clean as can be. I will install these two tonight and hope for the best.

Thanks much for your time and input on this matter.

Best.

[lalandev]

Cool.

I am on a fresh install with SP1 now for Vista 64 so everything is as clean as can be. I will install these two tonight and hope for the best.

Thanks much for your time and input on this matter.

Best.

No problem! Keep us informed how it went...

[Visitor Q]

FYI

I installed these two at work here, XP 32 OS.

FFDShow http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm

Haali Media Splitter (the Matroska I talked about earlier) http://haali.cs.msu.ru/mkv/

Also ran that program to fix all errors and I can play the avi intro video for Game Ex! What gives!?

Here is the error...

Indeo Video Playback

The program you are trying to run requires a current Indeo codec.

To obtain a current driver that is compatible with this version of Windows, please contact the manufacturer at http://indeo.ligos.com.

Ideas?

http://www.ligos.com/index.php/home/products/indeo/

[lalandev]

FYI

I installed these two at work here, XP 32 OS.

FFDShow http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm

Haali Media Splitter (the Matroska I talked about earlier) http://haali.cs.msu.ru/mkv/

Also ran that program to fix all errors and I can play the avi intro video for Game Ex! What gives!?

Here is the error...

Indeo Video Playback

The program you are trying to run requires a current Indeo codec.

To obtain a current driver that is compatible with this version of Windows, please contact the manufacturer at http://indeo.ligos.com.

Ideas?

http://www.ligos.com/index.php/home/products/indeo/

Is the video was working before FFDshow install?

Is there was any codecs installed before?

Hmmm, work computer tends to not have DirectX updated:

In "Run...", type: dxdiag

It will tells you the DirectX version, If it is not 9.0c, go install http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en

Run also http://www.free-codecs.com/download/GSpot.htm

This tool tells you which codec your video was encoded with, and more importantly: if the codec is installed...

[Visitor Q]

Is the video was working before FFDshow install?

Is there was any codecs installed before?

Hmmm, work computer tends to not have DirectX updated:

In "Run...", type: dxdiag

It will tells you the DirectX version, If it is not 9.0c, go install http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en

Run also http://www.free-codecs.com/download/GSpot.htm

This tool tells you which codec your video was encoded with, and more importantly: if the codec is installed...

9.0c is installed

I did not try it prior to installing the codec.

Info via GSpot

IV41

Indeo 4.x

Codecs not installed

Also when I install ffdshow-rev2060_20080801 and click boxes [MPEG1 Video codec] and [MPEG2 Video codec], do I check libmpeg2 or libavodec under it?

[lalandev]

9.0c is installed

I did not try it prior to installing the codec.

Info via GSpot

IV41

Indeo 4.x

Codecs not installed

Also when I install ffdshow-rev2060_20080801 and click boxes [MPEG1 Video codec] and [MPEG2 Video codec], do I check libmpeg2 or libavodec under it?

My bad, you're right, I forgot to tel you to choose libavodec for both mpeg1/2

Do to a quick test, uninstall ffdshow to see if you're video is playing without. Don't forget that office computers sometimes miss some important multimedia component.