Subject:Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Posted by: Halowe

Date:3/19/2005 11:47:30 AM

I saw the other compatibility issue, but it was quite different from mine, so thought I begin a new topic. Basically, now that I've installed SF8 Windows Media Player (WMP) won't play video fines online. That is, I have various files on my site and several of my associates sites that we typically view using WMP. Since installing SF8, WMP opens, the Videos appear to load, but they don't play. They should autoplay, but they won't play no matter what I do. So, I did a System Restore to just before installing SF8. The files played fine. Reinstalled SF8, same problem. Anyone else having a similar problem. If so, have you found a workaround. TIA. Hal

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Halowe

Date:3/19/2005 8:52:54 PM

As a follow up to my previous post, I can't find any solution. So, I'm basically back at SF7.0b at this point, since I need WMP fully functional.

I do remember having a similar problem with an older version of Vegas. As I recall, WMP wouldn't load and play at all. However, I was able to temporarily change one of the Vegas plug-in directories and it would work. Then, to use Vegas, I'd have to change it back.

A PITA to say the least. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out anything for the current problem, so I guess I'm stuck waiting for a maintenance release in hopes that it fixes my problem.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Halowe

Date:3/20/2005 1:13:52 PM

Well, nothing like having a lonely conversation. Anyway, I reinstalled SF8 yet again. Again, online videos stopped working (loaded but wouldn't play) via Windows Media Player. So, I decided to experiment.

I added the word "REMOVE" to the SF8 folder. Then, I went back and checked to see if WMP would load and play. Sure enough, it worked! The videos work fine with the SF8 folder path changed.

So, I'm going to experiment to see if there's a specific folder that also will work. Finally, I'll check to see if there's a particular file or plug-in. I'll post the results, if I find anything additional.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Halowe

Date:3/20/2005 4:29:36 PM

The workaround apparently only works if I reboot after changing the SF8 directory name. Rebooting every time I need to change the folder name is simply too big a PITA to do.

Unfortunately, I'm done with SF8 for now. I've already removed it. Guess I'll be doing ALL my audio editing in Sonar for now. Hopefully, this will get fixed. It eventually got fixed wihen I had the problem with Vegas. Since it's happened again, I guess is was previously fixed by accident not by plan.

Later. Hal.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Halowe

Date:3/22/2005 8:42:00 AM

Okay, so one final post. I've just confirmed this bug with my notebook computer (Sony VAIO).

Installed SF8 on my notebook, navigated to my asssociates site, and clicked on the latest video for my critique. Windows Meda Player opened and the MPG file appeared to load. However, it did not autostart, nor did it play when I clicked "Play." This is exactly the same problem I'm having with my Desktop computer (also a Sony VAIO).

However, I have found a workaround of sorts. After I try to load the file the first time, I close WMP. Then, if I click on the _same_ video file again, WMP opens, the files load and it autoplays. It's a PITA, since I can't tell how long to wait before closing and reopening the file (not to mention having to do it at all).

Your attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated, since a continuing part of my online business requires me to regularly check similar files.

Thank you! Hal.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Halowe

Date:3/24/2005 7:22:40 AM

Update: AVI files are not affected by the problem. It appears that the problem only affects MPGs. I've located the problem folder, and can now effectively work around the problem.

Interestingly, this problem is not just related to SF8. I just installed the lastest Vegas update and the identical problem occurred. Here's the folder:

Shared Plug-ins | File Formats | MCMPG

There are 2 DLLs that were recently updated, so I suspect they may be the problem: mcplug.dll and mcplugrw.dll

Since I haven't received a reply to any of these messages, I must be the only one experiencing this problem. I hope that doesn't mean that the problem won't be checked out.

In any case, this is my last post, since I'm (apparently) not getting any help here.

Hal.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Andreas S.

Date:3/24/2005 8:28:00 AM

My reply is limited to the "response issue" of your posting. I've posted a bug issue but haven't heard anything back either, save the automated responses, whcih doesn't do much for me.

I trust they're trying to find the source of and solution to issues, and I'm skeptical that there are a lot of bugs, but what I've encountered has forced me back to using SF7b.

I haven't tried your video issue yet since I work primarily in radio, but if I find some mpgs I'll see what I can do to test your issue...hopefully I can get a little time today to play with the issue.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Halowe

Date:3/26/2005 5:09:06 PM

Thanks for the reply and I hope they're able to help you with your problem. I haven't seen that one as yet, but I'll be checking out your post when I'm finished with this reply.

Unfortunately, this problem isn't limited to SF8. I also went back to SF7, since I need the video capabilities and changing the files all the time was a real PITA.

Anyway, I updated Vegas to the recent release the same problem occurred. I reverted back to the previous release and had no problem.

So, they've changed something that has generic implications. Hopefully, they'll find it.

Thanks again for the post.

Hal.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:3/26/2005 9:25:08 PM

Do you have a link to your site that you're trying to preview the videos from? I have MPG files associated to WMP on my PC. I clicked on MPG files on my PC and WMP opens fine and plays the video and I have both Vegas 5 and Sound Forge 8 installed. I don't have a link to try playing an online MPG video, but I'm assuming it should be the same, but I'm willing to try that out if you can post a link.

Just a guess, but maybe it has something to do with the DirectX version you're running when you install SF8 and you WMP isn't compatible. Are you running the latest WMP? I'm running WMP v10 and it's working fine with SF8.0.

Goto Windows START>RUN, and type in "DXDIAG", and say OK. Click on the Network tab and check to see what version of drivers are installed. Mine shows v5.03

Red

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Halowe

Date:3/27/2005 7:48:56 AM

Hi Red,

The site I'm trying to view is a business site that we protect. We review/comment/suggest changes before making them available for sale. So, for obvious reasons you won't be able to visit the site. I've also considered the secuity aspect. However, I'm already logged in when I try the videos, so they should function correctly.

There are probably free video sites (or samples anyway) where this could be verified, if you're so inclined.

I'm not sure that I made this clear, but MPG files open fine on my PC as well. So, if I first download the videos, I can view them just fine. The problem is only viewing on line. Interestingly, if I open the video and allow a few minutes to load, I can open it by first closing and clicking on it again...

Yes, I have the latest version of WMP and v5.03 are installed.

I've pretty much given up at this point. If the problem isn't resolved in a maintenance release in the near future, I guess I'll be doing my editing in SONAR 4.0 and my video editing in Premiere. Quite the shame really, since I really prefer Sound Forge and Vegas.

Thanks for the reply and for trying to help.

Hal.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Halowe

Date:3/27/2005 8:10:53 AM

Here's a link to a sample site where I tried and had the problem:

http://tesla.liketelevision.com/liketelevision/vip/pmpg3-x2156ba7.php?theme=guide

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: SonySDB

Date:3/28/2005 7:59:16 AM

Hal,

Please try unregistering the MainConcept .ax files. They can be found in \Program Files\Sony\Shared Plug-Ins\File Formats\MCMPEG. They are not actually required by our applications for reading and rendering MPEG files.
1. Drag and drop mcdsmpeg.ax into Sound Forge's workspace.
2. A message box will be presented asking you to register. Click No to unregister.
3. Repeat 1 and 2 for mcesmpeg.ax and mcspmpeg.ax.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:3/28/2005 8:25:24 AM

Hal,
Thanks for posting the link. I've confirmed the same thing happens on my system. Now that I see it happening, I think I've experienced this same thing on my work laptop in the past, where I just thought it was some kind of firewall problem or website bandwidth issue, so I ended up just downloading the Mpeg and it played fine.

Hopefully, SonySDB's suggestion gets you out of this without messing anything else up in return that you may be using.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: jackn2mpu

Date:3/28/2005 8:33:12 AM

I've got Acid 5.0a, SF7b and SF8 and can access and play mpegs no problem. in WMP. One site I go to regularly that has WMP playable files is for Australian Rules Football (footy) at http://afl.com.au/
Jack

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: SonyTSW

Date:3/29/2005 8:12:25 AM

Halowe,

What version of Windows Media Player are you running? The version number is shown by Help | About Windows Media Player.

I'm running WMP9 and the demo movies at the link you provided play just fine for me when I click on them.

Subject:RE: Wndows Media Player & SF8 compatibility issue

Reply by: SonyNateM

Date:3/29/2005 8:51:25 AM

FYI, this issue is already in the Sony support knowledge base:

http://www.custcenter.com/cgi-bin/sonypictures.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=371

Because the MainConcept MPEG encoder/decoder registers their own DirectShow codecs issues could potentially occur with installation any of our software that include MPEG support. While reports of issues are few and far between, we posted instructions on how to unregister the codec manually, which reverts software to use the default built-in MPEG decoder that ships with Windows.