DVD playback problems [Dell Dimension 2400]

[mikehende]

I tried 3 different dvd players on this unit and all of them have the same problems, the DVD doesn't show but the cd/cdr/cdrw works fine. From my other similar thread concerning the SOny Vaio laptop I am being led back to the mpeg2 decoder missing thing but I did a search on this pc for "mpeg2 decoder" and this file

mpeg2decoder.ax

shows in the C:\windows\system32 folder, doesn't this mean that there is an mpeg2 decoder already on this pc? I als tried intsalling the Dscaler 5 software which I am told has one of the best free mpeg 2 decoders but for some strange reason it won't install. So what is the problem here? Do I need to buy an mpeg2 decoder?

[Baldrick]

aren't you seeing any files if you open the dvds using explorer? does it show the dvd label? if not then it is no dvd decoding problem

[mikehende]

Yes, I can see all the video files in explorer for the 2 drives I have in there right now and when I click on any of the files, Nero showtime opens up but just doesn't play the files?

[Baldrick]

Try play the dvd with VLC or Media Player Classic(don't play the vob files, open the dvd drive or video_ts\video_ts.ifo)

[mikehende]

The videos play through vlc but very choppy.

[Baldrick]

does other video like avi play fine?
your dvd drive could read the dvd too slow, does it happen with all kinds dvd? commercial and home burned?

[mikehende]

Yes, it happens with any DVD whether commercial or home burned, if this was happening with just one drive I then I would blame the drive but "3" drives?

[Baldrick]

does other video like avi play fine?
or any other strange problems with the computer?
have you tried copy the dvd to the hd and then play it from the hd? copy with for example dvdfab decrypter.

or maybe time for a windows reinstallation...

[mikehende]

I'll try that tomorow and let you know [thanks], you're the 2nd person to suggest an OS reinstall.

[mikehende]

Copied an avi movie to the pc, plays perfect with any playback software. Also, checked the DMA settings, the Secondary channel was on PIO, reset both to Ultra DMA Mode2, still same problem, what left to do? Only OS reinstall? Can you explain to me why this would help please?

[mikehende]

Strangest thing, loaded Powerdvd on the kid's pc and both drives show dvd's perfectly with this software but not with VLC, WMP or Nero, any ideas why?

[mikehende]

The only thing I can think is those programs are associated with some other MPEG 2 codec that may or may not actually be on my system? Looks like I got to find out what powerdvd has that the others dont?

[pvbj]

Check out HTPC wont play movies topic in this same forum, dated Oct. 10th.
Read through and see if there are any similarities and get back with me.

I had a problem playing movies also and got it fixed by updating some MOBO drivers.
Dell websight shuold have averything you need.


I tried evrything up to that point.
Many devices just dont load right and a reload is the only way to get it to work.
Remember plug and play is "plug and pray"

If you google "DVD playback requirements" or something like that they will give you a short list of requirements like: DirectX 9.0, Explorer 6.0 and so on, if I run into it I'll copy you with it.

[mikehende]

Yeah, looked at that thread and the guy got help by updating video drivers. The dell help site was the first place I visited for help for this

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_video&message.id=150481

but was able to find a solution. I tried the "DVD playback requirements" search but it didn't produce any solutions.

[SingSing]

The videos play through vlc but very choppy.

Media player and VLC are most likley using a software CODEC, and PowerDVD is using the hardware mpeg2 decorder in the video chip. PowerDVD 6 can run slow and choppy if you select the enhance mode that involved software enhancemnet.