Unable to watch AVI now

[chipvideo]

For some reason I am unable to watch any avi files on my computer now. I am really ticked. I deleted some pinnacle program and now I cant watch anything. I even downloaded media player and still wont play them. What do I do?

[aklendathu]

Check to see if you have the necessary video/audio codecs installed in your system. Try AVICODEC to get that info from the movie.

[chipvideo]

Frustration. Still can't open any avi files. Unsupported everytime. What is the easiest way to get the avi codecs. I figured windows media player 9 would have them. This sucks.

[aklendathu]

Well, a lot of them come with the OS, others with software you buy or download from the Internet. Check the doom9 downloads for some codec packs. Also, Microsoft WMP site has a codec pack too.

BUT, I repeat my previous question: did you check that all video codecs are gone from your system ?

[chipvideo]

dvsd = Sony Digital Video, Unsupported

This is what shows up in the avicodec info. I dont know what to do.

[Swan]

"dvsd" is the FourCC code for avi files with DV compression.
Just download a DV codec from the sticky in the DV forum, or go here:
http://bokova.bokova.lv/~daliv/video/down/codec/
I am using the Panasonic codec, btw.

You can check if you have a decompressor for "dvsd" video in regedit.
In my Windows 2000 system, it's under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32
If you're using another OS and the key isn't located at the same place in the regsitry as in Win2K, just do a search in the registry for "dvsd".

Look for a string value called vidc.dvsd and the value data should be there in the string as well. In my case it's "pdvcodec.dll" (Panasonic's DV codec). If you don't have a vidc.dvsd entry, then you are lacking a VFW DV codec.

Then, check under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{083863F1-70DE-11d0-BD40-00A0C911CE86}\Instance\{B1B77C00-C3E4-11CF-AF79-00AA00B67A42}
that you have a key called "DV Video Decoder" and attached to that;
"filter data" and "FriendlyName".
If you don't have these keys and can't play avi files with DV compression in Mediaplayer, something must have messed up your system badly. Microsoft Windows ships with a DV filter. If I were you I'd install the Panasonic codec, as well as reinstall DirectX.
Hopefully this reinstalls Microsoft's DV codec, so you won't have to reinstall Windows over this. You need the Panasonic DV codec for opening and editing videos in VFW software like VirtualDub and MS's DV filter for playback and editing in WDM software.

/Maria

[chipvideo]

Ive come to the conclusion that I have to reinstall windows xp. Only problem is I hate having to install everything over again. Is it possible that I could just go out and get the XP PRO version for the upgrade from the home and it will save everythign on my computer?

[Swan]

Did you try the tips I gave you?

I seriosly doubt you need to reinstall XP for a small problem like this!

Isn't there a "repair system files" function or similar?

What was the name and version number of the "Pinnacle" program you uninstalled?

[chipvideo]

Yes I did everythign you said. Every codec shows up. I know it is messed up. It said that when I was installing the program that I might have some problems if I install it. I dont have a restore function set on the puter. I disabled it. This sucks.

[chipvideo]

I have just about had it. No difference while upgrading to XP PRO. Still cant watch any avi that I record. I swear I will never figure this one out. I sure hate to go out and buy a whole new pc just so I can capture my digital videos onto my pc and record to dvd. This really really SUCKS.

[Swan]

Is it only files you've captured yourself only that is the problem?
Maybe there is something wrong with them?
What capture device do you have and what software do you use for capturing?
What was the name and version number of the program you installed and uninstalled (what Pinnacle software)?

[chipvideo]

I am using the I link with my sony digital 8. Doesnt matter what capture program I use. All the files are corrupt. I can't remember what pinnacle program it was. I just downloaded the ulead video studio and same problems.

[Swan]

I've never seen a codec problem that did not resolve itself by a reinstall of Windows. But that's the like last option for me, usually the trick is to dig into the registry. :-)

One final thing, regarding when you checked "vidc.dvsd"
in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32

The value name was vidc.dvsd (you did find this, right)?
But what was your value data for that key?
Mine is pdvcodec.dll (Panasonic's DV codec).
After you've found a value data there, do a search for it. You can look in C:\WINNT\system32 (or the corresponding system folder on the OS you use) and verify that the dll you found in "value data" actually exists on the system.

If all this checks out (you have the keys and you have the dll), then you should be able to open your files in VirtualDub. You may get a warning that it cannot access the audio if it's a type-1 avi file, but you should be able to ignore that warning anf then step through your avi file in Virtualdub.

If a reinstall didn't solve the problem, then I am stumped and have no more suggestions. Can you upload a short problematic avi video somewhere for me to look at?

Also, can you download Gspot from Doom9 (it's under AVI Editing tools) and let me know what it says about your problem files? Perhaps post a screen shot from Gspot?