Windows Media Player Plug In

[kahart]

Is there a way to buffer a video in the WMP plug in? I have a short mpg video. I've tried the video object and the plug in and they both play jumpy when I run the program. Any suggestions?

[eric_darling]

Buffering is for streaming files only. There's no way to do it with MPEG formats that I'm aware of.

It sounds like your video file is the problem, though - either too much data per second or some other formatting issue. What is the data rate? What are the pixel dimensions of the file? What's the audio data rate? Is it MPEG-1 or MPEG-2? Is it VBR encoded? What kind of computer (specs) are you using?

[kahart]

Eric, I not sure I know how to answer all of your questions. The file is a movie file, mpg. It was created from a digital camera with video capability. We do not have a tool to convert it to a mpeg-1. The forum won't let me upload just the video file. Is there another way for you to look at the file and answer your questions?

When the CD Rom is run on two newer desktops in the office the video plays fine. When the CD Rom is run on lap tops, all newer ones also, the video and audio are off.

Adam suggested you may be able to recommended a bitrate or tool to convert the file.

All suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

[eric_darling]

Well, we can figure out the muxed data rate pretty easily. Just take the total time of your clip and divide by the total MB. We can run calculations from that and decide if it's a data rate issue.

It's possible that what you're dealing with is a proprietary MPEG-4 file, which could cause issues in Windows Media Player, but probably not. If the file extension is .mpg, then it should be MPEG-1. But still, it's possible that it's somehow mis-labeled, and it should be MP4 or something else. What is the model/brand of digital camera you used?

You may want to consider doing as Adam suggested and converting the file using a trusted utility. There are a few free ones around, which I'm not too familiar with, but I know Yossi uses one or two. He might weigh in there. One to try is TMPgenc: http://www.tmpgenc.net/e_main.html.

[kahart]

The clip is 1:46 in length. It is 136 MB. Would you use mins or seconds in the calculation?

The camera is a Sony DSC P150.

Thanks.

[eric_darling]

Well, there's your problem right there.

136 MB / 1:46 = 10.26 Megabits per second. Way too much for MPEG-1. Actually, it's too much for MPEG-2 on DVD, even.

Try re-compressing to get your number down to something more like 1.5 Megabits per second.

Let us know how it goes!

By the way, you can download my free bitrate calculator to greatly help in translating bitrates between denominations. Get it here:
http://www.videoconstruction.com/bitratecalc
(the original Windows version was created in Autoplay Media Studio 5!)

[Intrigued]

Well, there's your problem right there.

136 MB / 1:46 = 10.26 Megabits per second. Way too much for MPEG-1. Actually, it's too much for MPEG-2 on DVD, even.

Try re-compressing to get your number down to something more like 1.5 Megabits per second.

Let us know how it goes!

By the way, you can download my free bitrate calculator to greatly help in translating bitrates between denominations. Get it here:
http://www.videoconstruction.com/bitratecalc
(the original Windows version was created in Autoplay Media Studio 5!)

Ya! I like that little program eric!

[kahart]

Does anyone have suggestions for tools to compress a mpeg file?

[eric_darling]

There are tons. Here's a few to get you started...

Procoder: http://www.canopus.com
Squeeze: http://www.sorenson.com
Cleaner XL: http://www.discreet.com
TMPgenc: (free) http://www.tmpgenc.net
Virtual Dub: (free) http://www.virtualdub.org

[kahart]

I used the tmpgenc and it worked. Thanks!

[Roboblue]

I have been using Aurora Media Workshop lately. It converts just about any video and audio with customizable profiles. Batch runs, splits, joins, rips, burns, etc. All for only $34.95 USD. You can see it HERE and get the trial. I don't know the limitations on the trial. But, I have certainly been happy with it.
I am building a hugh DVD collection. From my Database, I can view labels and trailers. A lot of the DVD's have the trailers on them, in VOB. I get a 10-12 trailer VOB's into a directory, then batch convert them directly to wma. The default profiles for wma are WMP versions 7-8-9 with bitrate, audio, etc variations as required. The WMP version 10 can be downloaded from their site and "plugged in". Plus, you can make your own profiles using other decoders.
Very handy program.

[playmenow]

From where i can get the Miedia Player plugin?