MS MPEG4 Version2 codec problem.

[longedge]

First of all, as a newcomer to the forum - hello.

I finally managed to get the finance people at work to buy AMS4 for me, and have already sent out my first trial build for my colleagues to test. A problem has come up on one laptop when the video clips contained on the CD are played. The sound plays but no video. An error message "cannot find Vids:MP42 decompressor" is displayed in the video object.

I recorded the clips from VHS tape using Microsoft MPEG4 Version 2 codec.

I got the user to download latest version of Windows Media Player but it is still happening. However I can run Media Player and open/play the video from there.

Has anybody else had/resolved this problem?

[Adam]

Make sure that you are using version 4.0.0.4 as there were Media Player issues with 4.0.0.3 due to Media Player 9.0. If you already have the newest version then I do not know off hand what the problem is. Maybe one of our video gurus will post their input (hint hint Eric and others).

[eric_darling]

Hmmm... I wish I had seen this particular problem before (no, not really), because then I might be of more service to you. It sounds like Adam could be on to something with issues around 4.0.0.3 and WMP 9. Aside from that, I'd say you are still not without hope, since you have the source video material.

The Microsoft MPEG4 codecs really did a disservice to the entire Windows community. Read more about this here (http://codeczone.virtualave.net/mpeg4.htm) or here (http://www.discreet.com/support/codec/). Basically, Microsoft versions 1-3 MPEG4 are not really MPEG4 compliant. I know, I know. I feel your pain. Anyway, don't shoot the messenger. Microsoft is to blame on this one. I know that various sources claim true MPEG4 compatibility with Microsoft's codecs, but those reports are just not true.

My advice? Don't use Microsoft MPEG4 codecs. They are dangerous if only because their name is terribly misleading. Besides, they're not that good anyway.

Go MPEG-1 and don't look back. When MPEG-4 is really ready for prime time, you know I'll be the first crowing about it around here. But don't hold your breath just yet.

[Bruce]

Eric-
Where do we find good MPEG-1 codecs? (Brand names)

[eric_darling]

Very funny, Bruce. /ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif

[Corey]

Bruce : Ebay, look under "Vintage Codecs"... (I collect antique codecs)

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

[longedge]

Sorry, but I don't understand, there's obviously an 'in' joke that's gone over my head.

We bought AMS4 last week and I got the download details last Friday. Downloaded the installation file and it is Version 4.0.0.0 so presumably the first thing I need to do is look for an update patch.

I take the point about the dubious nature of the MS codec but I'm stuck with that (short of spending another half day grabbing video which I haven't got the time to do).

[Corey]

Right here: http://autoplaystudio.com/download/patches.php

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

[longedge]

..thanks Corey - got that.

[eric_darling]

You didn't miss much, really. Bruce was poking fun. Corey sometimes tends to sardonic wit, but both of those guys are extremely helpful and well-intentioned in their respective ways. /ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif

[longedge]

I did a little bit of lurkin' over the last couple of weeks and already came to the conclusion that this is a really friendly forum with lots of helpful people.

I've re-rendered my clips and re-built. Hopefully it will solve my problem.

As a result of upgrading to Vers. 4.0.0.4 I had to change the sequence of loading and playing the clips. Kept getting an error message about invalid playstate but by "Playing" and then "Loading" the error went away. Seems strange to have to play before loading???

[longedge]

Just to add to my last post, I've resolved it by re-encoding using PinnacleStudio which was quick and easy. It now works on the problem machine and all others I've tried it on. That's a lesson learnt!