Vob & Mpg not playing on ext. desktop

[BEECEE]

Originally Posted by KenKelley

Brian,

Have you sent the disk yet?

Ken

I haven't had a chance to prioritise a special trip to the Post Office to get the costs and send the disk to you. I'll PM you privately when that happens.

Regards,

Brian

[KenKelley]

Originally Posted by BEECEE

Admin,

I apologise for the delay in responding. Since my last post on this U-Best VCD issue, I resorted to completing a fresh install of Windows 7 Ultimate on my laptop (twice) including all Microsoft updates and ensuring that all recommended Windows 7 settings for Hoster have been implemented. I’ve also experimented with the numerous settings combinations of various codec packs, making sure to never have more than one codec pack installed at the same time because of possible conflicts.

In short, the Hoster MUX functionality will not work for the U-Best VCDs on my particular Asus N50VC notebook in the Windows Ultimate environment. As mentioned in post no. 33 of this thread, those identical U-Best VCD tracks installed on my desktop running XP Pro work flawlessly with the Hoster MUX functionality. These VCDs are definitely multiplexed and most of my VCDs have the vocals on the right channel.

The only key point of difference that I notice when playing any VCD tracks in Hoster is that ffdshow audio decoder launches in XP Pro, but it doesn’t launch at all in Windows 7 Ultimate. I’ll try and upload a screen-print of the XP Pro ffdshow audio decoder configuration window so that you can see evidence of how these files successfully play in Hoster via XP Pro via a decoder called ‘libmad’.

Only 10 of my 500 karaoke discs are VCD, the rest are CDG. To be honest I hardly play any of the VCD tracks, but I was hoping to get all of my Karaoke stuff digitised through Hoster. So for me it’s more of a frustration about not being able to figure out the problem, as opposed to VCDs being a major component of my collection.

I think it’s a codecs issue somehow linked to Windows Media Player. Probably some simple setting but I can’t resolve it. If there is a solution, that would be great. If not, so be it, life goes on

Thanks for your time and advice. Hoster is the best!

BEECEE,

I received the disk last night and did a quick test.

The Mux Button has no effect but for some reason, I don't hear the vocals!

Just the music and a midi player in the background for the melody.

(Admin, the above results are the same regardless of which version I use)

This being 2 extremes we will need to take this a little at a time and try to match Codec settings.

I shall send a couple of .jpeg's tonight for FFDSHOW (video and audio).

When you installed Win 7 on your computer did you update the Bios?

Also, what version of Hoster are you using?

What region is your CD Rom drive set for?

Thanks!

[KenKelley]

Brian,

I have taken 4 screen shots of how I have FFDSHOW Audio Configured (2 for 32 bit and 2 for 64 bit, not sure if 64 will have any affect).

Try configuring your FFDSHOW the same as mine and make a note of any changes you make on your machine so that you can change it back if this doesn't work.

Try playing one of the disks and attempt to use the MUX.

Let me know the outcome.

Thanks!

Ken

[BEECEE]

Originally Posted by KenKelley

I received the disk last night and did a quick test.

When you installed Win 7 on your computer did you update the Bios?

Also, what version of Hoster are you using?

What region is your CD Rom drive set for?

Ken,

Glad to hear that you've received the disc and have completed some testing. I'm just unclear whether you have you had any success using MUX to engage/disengage the vocals?

Hopefully you've nailed it - hence your ffdshow settings recommendations subsequently provided.

In answer to your queries:

Yes - Laptop was updated to latest BIOS
Using Hoster 4.22
Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit

Not sure about DVD Rom region.

Since our last discussion, the laptop has been returned (under warranty) to the Asus repair agent here in NZ due to a screen flicker issue and a faulty touchpad. They advised me a couple of days ago that they're awaiting receipt of a new 'main board'. As a result, I am unable to road test the ffdshow settings that you have provided until I get the laptop back ... hopefully next week.

I appreciate your help.

[KenKelley]

Brian,

Sorry to hear about your laptop. Hopefully you will have it back soon and working as it should!

Like I mentioned in the previous post, my FFDSHOW setting allow for the video to play, with the music, but "NO" vocals. The MUX has no effect. This is 2 extreams.

Also, I am running Hoster 4.32, can you upgrade to that version? When you get your laptop back of course?

One other thing, before you make any changes to FFDSHOW please take some screen shots of your settings and send them to me.

Thanks!

Ken

[BEECEE]

Hey Ken - I've copied the text below from post no. 41 of this thread. Mate, we appear to be experiencing the same issue with these U-best VCDs in the Windows 7 environment.

Originally Posted by BEECEE

When selecting MUX, although the MUX ‘Stereo’ and ‘No Vocal’ buttons can be engaged and disengaged, they do not mute and un-mute the vocals on the U-Best tracks.

However, I also have one only locally produced New Zealand VCD imported into Hoster. MUX functions correctly on that disc. So the MUX issue only relates to the U-Best HDVID files.

I’ve experimented with the K-Lite Codec pack both installed and un-installed and it makes absolutely no difference.

FYI - part of my previous troubleshooting also included downloading the latest trial version of Hoster 4.32 (plus latest K-Lite codecs) on my son's late model Toshiba Qosmio laptop with Windows 7 Home 64 bit installed. Same issue/symptom with U-best (yes - all Microsoft updates done, all recommended Win 7 Hoster changes done).

In my circumstance, XP Pro is the only OS that plays these imported U-Best VCD tracks properly, with and without vocals.

I won't be upgrading to Hoster 4.32 but I am definitely going to purchase Hoster 5 once it is launched. Can't wait

Cheers.

[KenKelley]

Brian,

I have figured out how to get the U-Best files to play properly in Hoster with Windows7 however it requires a conversion process.

I utilized GSpot to determine what Codec(s) that the U-Best video files required to be played. According to GSpot both Video and Audio require the MPEG 1 Codec.

Hoster appears to be flexible with the Video Codec but utilizes the AC3 Codec for Audio. The AC3 Codec is what the Mux Button reacts to.

With that being said, the U-Best disks would require a conversion to a desired (what I used = .avi) video codec and AC3 Audio Codec.

I must say the videos play wonderfully (the video looks almost as good as being played straight off the disk) and Hoster does what is expected (the Mux Button works without flaw) after the files are converted to .avi (video codec) with AC3 (audio codec).

I am not sure why these files play in Win XP without the conversion??? I ran into the same problem with my DVD Video files when I upgraded to a Win 7 laptop.

I will send my results to Admin to see what can be done, if anything, without going through a conversion.

I can say that Microsoft has done a lot with Win 7 in a step toward "Seamlessly" eliminating Direct X (checkout the forums) and it appears that some of their product (which interacts with Hoster) is not acting the same in Win 7 as it did in Win XP (or even Win Vista for that matter).

One more thing, the conversion took less that 5 minutes (with a second party software) for the disk you sent me after it was copied to my hard drive.

MTU continues to produce a great product and Hoster 5.0 is excellent!

If you would like for me to send the procedures to convert the U-Best video files let me know. I have Microsoft "Word" and can send in that format or in a "Word Pad" file or post it here. Let me know which is preferrable.

I don't give up! It just takes me a little while to dig, learn, and then discover an answer.

Thanks!

Ken

[Roy Dennis]

Originally Posted by KenKelley

I am not sure why these files play in Win XP without the conversion??? I ran into the same problem with my DVD Video files when I upgraded to a Win 7 laptop.

Probably something to do with Microsoft locking their codecs in Windows 7 media player so they are not accessible outside of it.
You can read something here about it http://windows7news.com/2009/03/27/m...-in-windows-7/

[KenKelley]

Originally Posted by Roy Dennis

Probably something to do with Microsoft locking their codecs in Windows 7 media player so they are not accessible outside of it.
You can read something here about it http://windows7news.com/2009/03/27/m...-in-windows-7/

Thanks Roy!

I took a look at the article and it says pretty much the same as I have read else where. The last scentence however I'm inclined to disagree with as the initial problem on this thread "Vob & Mpg not playing on the ext.desktop" I suspect may be related to digital media rights as I could not use any other 3rd party software to play DVD files on the extended desk top (WMP worked great with a warning that DVD files may not be suported) until I adjusted the filters with GSpot (something that may be above the heads of most users). DVD piracy being a mega ilicit business this may be Microsofts' way of helping to deterr it.

Again it looks like Microsoft has taken something that works great (from our perspective) and is trying to improve it..... Why fix what isn't broke? $$$?

Ken

[BEECEE]

Originally Posted by KenKelley

Brian,

I have figured out how to get the U-Best files to play properly in Hoster with Windows7 however it requires a conversion process.

Ken - Thanks for your patience and dogged determination for figuring out a workaround to get these U-Best VCD's to play properly in Hoster. There's no way that I'd have been able to resolve this because I don't have your technical ability.

Yes, please do share your 'conversion workaround' via the forum, including how and where to obtain the necessary software. There may be others in the same boat.

I do have access to MS Word (Hoster songbook is printed in that format ).

Cheers mate.

Brian

[KenKelley]

1

[KenKelley]

Originally Posted by KenKelley

Brian,

I have figured out how to get the U-Best files to play properly in Hoster with Windows7 however it requires a conversion process.

I utilized GSpot to determine what Codec(s) that the U-Best video files required to be played. According to GSpot both Video and Audio require the MPEG 1 Codec.

Hoster appears to be flexible with the Video Codec but utilizes the AC3 Codec for Audio. The AC3 Codec is what the Mux Button reacts to.

With that being said, the U-Best disks would require a conversion to a desired (what I used = .avi) video codec and AC3 Audio Codec.

I must say the videos play wonderfully (the video looks almost as good as being played straight off the disk) and Hoster does what is expected (the Mux Button works without flaw) after the files are converted to .avi (video codec) with AC3 (audio codec).

I am not sure why these files play in Win XP without the conversion??? I ran into the same problem with my DVD Video files when I upgraded to a Win 7 laptop.

I will send my results to Admin to see what can be done, if anything, without going through a conversion.

I can say that Microsoft has done a lot with Win 7 in a step toward "Seamlessly" eliminating Direct X (checkout the forums) and it appears that some of their product (which interacts with Hoster) is not acting the same in Win 7 as it did in Win XP (or even Win Vista for that matter).

One more thing, the conversion took less that 5 minutes (with a second party software) for the disk you sent me after it was copied to my hard drive.

MTU continues to produce a great product and Hoster 5.0 is excellent!

If you would like for me to send the procedures to convert the U-Best video files let me know. I have Microsoft "Word" and can send in that format or in a "Word Pad" file or post it here. Let me know which is preferrable.

I don't give up! It just takes me a little while to dig, learn, and then discover an answer.

Thanks!

Ken

Brian,

I errored above with .avi, it should have been MPEG2. (was a bit exausted while putting the note togeather)

I have created and attached instructions as to how I converted the files. Had to use 2 files as one file was too large to upload.

I recommend you review them a couple of times before attempting to convert.

Hopefully this works for you.

If you have any more questions, let me know.

Thanks!

Ken

Ken

[BEECEE]

Originally Posted by KenKelley

Brian,

I errored above with .avi, it should have been MPEG2. (was a bit exausted while putting the note togeather)

I have created and attached instructions as to how I converted the files. Had to use 2 files as one file was too large to upload.

I recommend you review them a couple of times before attempting to convert.

Hopefully this works for you.

If you have any more questions, let me know.

Thanks!

Ken

Ken

Ken,

Awesome job with the troubleshooting. You've definitely gone above and beyond the call of duty and I appreciate all that you have done to research and deliver a proven workaround, along with easy to follow instructions.

As expected, the trial version of IMTOO Video converter provides limited functionality. I can't justify outlaying US$45 (at this time) to upgrade to the fully functioning version of IMTOO just to convert a small bunch of around 140 Ubest .DAT files to MPEG2. However, I am happy that the cause of the Ubest VCD issue is not some unknown random problem with my laptop. You've provided a solution for my future consideration. In the meantime I've still got reliable XP Pro on my desktop PC to play these VCDs through Hoster.

Regards,

Brian

[bendrew]

Converting VCD to .dat files, i used ISObuster and select extract to raw........

ALways worked for me.