Weird Problem (HELP!). *Sometimes* the video I open, is complete BLACK!

[nattawat]

This problem happened since I bought this computer, I have no idea why I never saw someone else with this problem, seems like I am the only one who have it -- I already changed my mainboard, GFX card, and the problem is still the same, so I don't think it's something to do with hardware. However, I also install Windows XP for few times, and the I still got the problem before and after formatting computer...

The problem I got is that *SOMETIMES* (well, MOST of the time) -- the video I opened is complete darkness. The video didn't display, only the audio. This problem happened to ALL KIND of media player. However, if I play the open the media player again while the 'no-video' movie -- I will see movie in the second player. This does not completely solve the problem, because the second player I opened will have LOT LESS quality than normal one (I don't know why) -- it will me much more pale and white, like too much brightness.

The weird thing about this problem is, it occurs RANDOMLY!! Sometimes I opened and there's no video, but sometimes there is, without doing anything! It usually appear to be working fine for a day or two, then it back to the same problem again for like a week or so. Really weird.

If you are asking about codecs, I have K-Lite Codec Pack installed, and for the Display Drivers, I have the same problem with older and later version of drivers.

This problem is really weird, happened to me for quite long now (very long to be exact), and it's really annoying that I have to choose either watch the movie in BAD quality, or not to watch it at all.



Thanks in advanced for every replies,
-Nattawat

[redwudz]

I would get rid of the codec pack. They cause all kinds of problems. Never recommended.

But your problem sounds like a 'overlay' problem with your video card. When the screen is black, the card is trying to display the video in a different place, usually a second monitor or a TV, even if you don't have either hooked up.

Check your video card settings. Or try a player that doesn't use overlay. What players are you presently using?

[mats.hogberg]

I have K-Lite Codec Pack installed

Thjat could be your problem, right there. Codec packs have a tendency to screw your media playback capabilities beyond repair. Uninstall, use CodecSniper or equiv to remove what's not in a standard Windows install, then just install the codec you need for a particular file. If any file won't play, find what codec it uses (GSpot), download and install that (and only that) codec.
Codec packs are like treating a headache with all medications known to humanity.

/Mats

[nattawat]

I would get rid of the codec pack. They cause all kinds of problems. Never recommended.

But your problem sounds like a 'overlay' problem with your video card. When the screen is black, the card is trying to display the video in a different place, usually a second monitor or a TV, even if you don't have either hooked up.

Check your video card settings. Or try a player that doesn't use overlay. What players are you presently using?

Wow, this is so true.

My monitor have BOTH 'Analog' and 'Digital' -- I set the 'Digital' to be default, but for some reason SOMETIMES it change to Analog.

After reading your post, I realized that I also have 'overlay' problem too, my Windows Media Player can play the video file because I change from "Use Overlay" to "Use High Quality Mode" -- and it could play videos but at the low too-much-brightness quality. Right now when I see the black screen, I just switch the monitor mode to Digital instead of Analog, and it's fixed!!


Thanks a lot for pointing that out, really appreciated that. Also thanks to mats.hogberg too!