So why is it so hard to play AVI files in MediaPortal? (1 Viewer)

[Paranoid Delusion]

By the sound of it, you have entered codec hell, remove all codecs installed.

Run filmerit (see sig), if it shows errors, unlock padlock, accept agreement, hit big red button, then reboot.

Now just install the LAV filters, everything should work out of the box.

 

[Nigel Deans]

Tony,

Just when I was turning away, you bring me right back with your explanation regarding the use of codecs installed on the OS, the 32-bit/64-bit issue, the intent to improve the 'out of box' experience in version 1.3.0+ and most of all the availability of a debug-mode and logs. Seriously, you made my morning.

I've attached the log generated when I ran MP in debug mode during which time I attempted to view two videos, the first one an AVI and the second one an MP4 which I am having the same issue with. This problem applies to all my AVI and MP4 files.

Thank you!

Nigel

 

[Owlsroost]

Mmm - bit strange - MP seems to be deciding it can't play the files ( "PlaylistPlayer: *** unable to play - ") but there's no clue in the MediaPortal.log as to why....it looks like it isn't even trying to build a graph.

Looking through your dxdiag.txt, you have got quite a lot of splitters and codecs installed - maybe MP is trying to use a splitter which doesn't work well in other apps than the one it was shipped with....

Anyone else got any ideas ? (the MP player isn't really my area of expertise)

Tony

 

[Scythe42]

Codec hell. Too many players installed, merits are FUBAR.

Can be easily solved. Probably a result of installing various players after codec/codec packs, trying out stuff, doing updates of them they don't handle correctly and so on until the various software screwed the system up big time. Merits need to be cleaned to a state you can work with.

- Remove all codecs you installed manually that didn't come from an application. Include all codec packs as well
- Reset everything for Default Applications back to WMP - corrects merit stuff as well. You can change this later on a per function basis very quickly.
- Repair Registry to remove orphaned entries (multiple runs until all bad subkeys are gone) - also good to have some merit checking tools checking for additional issues.

Once you clean:

- Install a codec pack with a decent management tool like Shark007 or whatever you prefer. Manually is also fine if you prefer it.
- Set Splitter for AVI to Haali, ffdshow for xvid/xvid stuff and also for MP3 audio and you are done.

AVI containers should be of no issues anymore.

Some player software really screws up the system and setting everything to the codec that come with it for system defaults. Bad uninstallers and so on.

General recommendation: try out various media player software in a VM or at least make a restoration point or use tools like Acronis True Image to revert to a state you backed up that works properly. Just in case. The problem could be there for a very long time and just manifests now on this special case.

 

[Nigel Deans]

I think you're right Scythe... My current interest in MP is a renewed one. I originally installed version 1.2.2 at least a year ago and it didn't work then either, so it's probably safe to assume I've been in codec hell for quite a while. I'd have to go back to a very early restore point which I worry would revert configurations that I actually want to keep.

Also, I'm not even sure I can identify all the codecs on my system... Is there a recommended way to do this?

Nigel

 

[Vasilich]

use graphstudio to render this file and see what codecs/splitters are in use.
use Filmerit (see Paranoid Delusion's signature) to check, repair and remove unneeded codecs.
P.S. i have best experience with LAV filters - only one splitter, audio decoder and video decoder for all cases.

 

[Nigel Deans]

I've already installed Filmerit per Delusions suggestion. Wow! I have a lot of codecs! Still trying to get a hang of how to really use it. Just installed GraphStudio, which I am really impressed with, I love the way it maps out the routing, but again, I'm trying to get a handle on how to use it to any effect.

It seems that GraphStudio is rendering the AVI files perfectly, so I'm not sure how to recreate the problem I am having with MP. Can I swap out the decoders in GraphStudio?

Nigel

edit... Oh, wait... Should I just be using GraphStudio to identify the working codecs and then try to get rid of the rest?

edit again... Actually, I think I'm going to start by simply uninstalling all the video players and editors that I really don't use. See what happens - if that does it great, if not THEN I'll dive into codec hell -

 

[porky996t]

I'll dive into codec hell

- Aaaaarrgghh!!! Good luck.. a braver man than I !

 

[FlipGer]

Also look into Paranoids Signature: http://paul.glagla.free.fr/filmerit_en.htm May help.

 

[Sebastiii]

@Nigel Deans

Did you give a try with 1.3.0alpha ?
And like screenshot from @Holzi : https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...-avi-files-in-mediaportal.110522/#post-894491
You can checked the "source splitter selection" and set LAV Splitter for "Splitter Source/Filesync".

Like this it will force to use LAV Splitter has source filter.
You can also setup LAV Splitter from screwdriver and select all input format

After that, you can manually build the graph with graphstudio to validate your filter
Start by adding LAv splitter Source -> it ask for your video files.
Add Codec Audio/Video (Best experience is LAV one)
Add Directsound
Add EVR Renderer.

Connect filter and try to play.
If it works, it should work under MP.

PS : Late this day, i can maybe take control over your PC (with teamviewer) you can reach us on IRC.
Thanks.