Format Factory Taking Over FFDSHOW Directory

[gonwk]

Hi folks,

I was having a problem viewing a MKV File in Subtitle Workshop, so I started looking around here and found multiple posts talking about ensuring to have Haali Media Splitter and latest FFDSHOW ...

Well, I have had both of these programs in my computer ... so, I could not figure out what caused just This One MKV displaying Blank Black Screen in Subtitle Workshop ... other MKV playback just fine and I can see the picture.

But then I happen to want to reinstall my FFDSHOW to make sure that is Not clobbered by mistake ... and I noticed the darn directory is under Format Factory 2.96.

Q1: Why is FFDSHOW showing up under Fomat Facotry and not in it's own directory?

Q2: Is this the way should be ... or should I uninstall Format Factory and start a new installation and when it asks if I want to install the INSIDE Codecs ... to say NO? Would this correct this Codec Take-OVer by Format Factory.

Q3: What is the Safest version of FFDHSOW to reinstall? In past there were some Errors and reading this Forum had pointed out to install an Older Version since it was more robust and less problems?

Thanks,

G!

[AlanHK]

I had big problems when my daughter installed Format Factory, and it installed its own versions of codecs in wacky places (desktop folders) and screwed up my whole system.

If you need Format Factory, maybe it has less intrusive options when you install it, but I never wanted to see the damn thing again after I got rid of it.

I think it's safer to use converters that are self contained, e.g. based on ffmpeg, rather than those that take over your system codecs.

[gonwk]

Hi AlanHK,

Appreciate the feedback.

You know Format Factory used to be pretty handy converter ... but I am going to look up and see what it has taken over then uninstall it and then install those Codecs that has screwed up all over again. The only thing is I can't recall what version of FFDSHOW I had installed ... I think I had to go back to an Older version since the newer ones were causing me all kind of problems.

BTW, I will have to visit the Format Factory software page and input a Downgrade on it ... so people are warned.

I wish the author of the Software will Opt to do away with the Codec take-over routine.

Thanks again!

G!