Cannot Capture Paused Image

[box-turtle]

This problem must have a solution. It's making me nuts!

Let's say I'm playing a video with an old version of Windows like 98SE. I pause the video and
use a screen capture app to take a rectangular screenshot. Dragging the crosshairs over any
part of the paused image works perfectly all the time.

If I play the same video with XP Pro (or newer) something is really screwed up. I've tried several
screen capture apps and they all have the same problem. The area selected by the crosshairs
produces a blank image or a completely offset image outside of the crosshairs!

I posted about this on a couple of "general help" computer forums. So far, no one can tell me
why this is happening. Since this forum is all about images and video, I'm hoping someone
can tell me what's going on and provide a solution.

(Yes, I've used the VLC "Take Snapshot" feature. That is not a solution for my screen capture
problem.)

[flashandpan007]

change the renderer, I can also recommend to use MPC-BE and if you to take a screenshot try this:
press Print on your keyboard and paste it into paint. Does it work for you?

[roma_turok]

I don't have problem capture rectangular screenshot with video window
what capture software you use?

[Bernix]

Try Lightshot. It has even upload capabilities and it is free. Works with paused video too for me.
http://prntscr.com/bks5ae
It should be in screenshot capture software. Because it is great software !

Bernix

[Brad]

change the renderer

This. A blank image is the expected result when using any player that renders via the old Overlay. I think all variants of Media Player Classic, PotPlayer, etc. let you select the renderer.

See "Screen Shots" section here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardware_overlay

[Bernix]

I tested all potplayer renderers, and all works with Lightshot Vaporeon800 please try it if I am wrong.
I changed GC and it really in HW overlay mixer do not work...

Bernix

[box-turtle]

The first screen capture app I tried many years ago was Print Screen Deluxe. It's still my favorite
app for taking screenshots. I've got Techsmith Snagit which is loaded with features that most
people don't need. I like simple, intuitive screen capture apps. A few days ago I downloaded the
open source Greenshot_v1.2.8.12. Like Print Screen and Snagit, Greenshot also failed to capture
an image inside the crosshairs.

I use VLC most of the time. It never crossed my mind to try a different media player. I feel like
a complete dummy!

The reviews for Lightshot at CNET and many other software sites are very good. I will definitely
download a copy . As soon as I try Lightshot I'll return to this thread with the results.

[Bernix]

Change renderer doesnt mean change VLC player. It is in preference/video output. You can choose opengl here f.e. and it works very nice.

http://prntscr.com/bl697x

Bernix

[flashandpan007]

As already posted by me, why an app for taking screenshots, just press print on your keyboard and paste it into paint or whatever program.

[flashandpan007]

Have you changed the renderer in VLC like I already mentioned?

If it doesn't work for, you can try another media player, like I already mentioned.

Strange, I recommend something and looks like it is ignored ...

[jagabo]

I use VLC most of the time.

Tools -> Preferences -> Video -> Output -> Windows GDI video output.

But why don't you just use VLC's built in snapshot function?

[box-turtle]

Guys, please understand that I download videos like millions of other folks. Most are not worth
saving. I will probably always be a video newbie because I don't edit or create videos. That's why
I occasionally need help from advanced or expert level forum members.

Most of the time when I pause a video I don't want to save an entire image. As I said in my original
post, the VLC "Take Snapshot" feature captures an entire image. Usually, I want to crop part of an
image.

jagabo, I never tinker with the default video settings. Changing from the default "Automatic" to
"Windows GDI video output" fixed the problem!

THANK YOU!