WVC1 file format to avi/mpg/dvd

[TunkaFrankie]

Ok...I purchased a cartoon on line for my son. I downloaded it, and was pleased to see that it was in .wmv format. I always use convertxtodvd (4.0.9.322) to convert and burn these, and many other file types, to DVD. Well, my first attempt to convert this with convertxtodvd, I noticed that in the preview window, the video was all green/pixilated. I then attempted to use anyvideoconverter to maybe change the format from .wmv to either .mpg or .avi, and I got the same green/pixilated result. Then I saw at the top of the screen in anyvideo converter, that the file is labeled as "WVC1". From the research I've been doing online, is this a bluray format? How can I get convertxtodvd to convert/burn to DVD? I have regular DVD players, so, no need for bluray. Also, my windows media player plays the file fine on it's own. I do have klite mega codec pack. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

[Ai Haibara]

If you purchased it, chances are, it's DRM-protected, and most converters won't be able to do much with it as-is. Do any players other than Windows Media Player, like VLC, play it without any problems?

[TunkaFrankie]

No...VLC give me the same pixilated/green/pink motioned output as well.

[Ai Haibara]

It does sound a bit like it's DRM-protected, then, but I'm wondering whether or not others here will think the same. Anyone?

You may also be able to try to convert it using Windows Movie Maker, I believe, but I've never really tried it for converting WMV to AVI, so I don't know the process. (But if it is DRM-encoded, the end result may still be the same.)

[TunkaFrankie]

I think you may be right, Ai...so unless someone can supply me with an alternative method...I may be stuck watching this from my computer.

[poisondeathray]

Probably DRM

DRM keys are usually only active a certain amount of time, or certain number of times allowed to play. After that it won't play, and will never work again.

You can screen capture to a lossless format (maybe using fraps or camtasia), then re-encode that to your final format. This is essentially what various "DRM removal software" do

[Cornucopia]

You might be able to do an end run on it by using Fraps or similar screen recording app..

Scott

edit: Doh! Now I'm the slow one.

[TunkaFrankie]

The site where I bought the cartoon from had 2 options: rent the download (a couple of days) or buy the download. I opted to buy...since it was cheaper (only about a buck and a half). I have had others mention wondershare media converter. However, you mention Fraps or Camtasia.

Is either one better? Once I do capture it in a "lossless" format, what file type will it be in? Then how do I re-encode it to my final format? With some video converter, like any video converter?

Of will Fraps / Camstasia get it into a burnable format, like an avi or mpg, then you mean final format as burning it to DVD?