Making MPC-HC compatible with more videos

[dandandan]

Hi. I've been using MPC-HC for a few months now and I really like it. Unfortunately, there are a few files that it just refuses to play. avis, mpgs, flvs, big files, small files. It seems totally random. What makes it even more annoying is that the same file will then play perfectly in VLC. But I don't like VLC. It's got an ugly interface and the install takes up too much space on my netbook (about 70megs on only a 16gig SSD). So how do I make MPC-HC play the files that VLC can play. I'm pretty competent with computers, but I'm after a solution that's quite straightforward. I don't want to spend 30 minutes fiddling around with the settings just to watch a film, y'know?

[DarrellS]

Install the correct codecs or take the time to fiddle around with the settings. MPC-HC has it's own built in filters to play certain files. You can enable those or use stand alone codecs instead. I prefer to install stand alone codecs myself.

[fritzi93]

Try changing the DirectShow Video renderer in settings.

[dandandan]

What should I change it to? Is there one that's more compatible than the others?

[jagabo]

What should I change it to? Is there one that's more compatible than the others?

Depends on your graphics card and drivers. But problems with the output device usually show up as no picture, lockups, or crashes.

I would look at what filters are enabled and disabled. View -> Options -> Internal Filters. Source Filters and Transform Filters. When you find a file that doesn't play use MediaInfo to see what codecs are used and what the container is. Make sure the Source Filter for that container is enabled and the audio and video codecs are enabled in the Transform Filters box.

[fritzi93]

What jagabo said.

Anyway, last time I did a fresh install I experienced your problem, and the answer was as simple as changing the renderer from System Default to Overlay. Worth a try.