Tool for changing preferred DirectShow filters in Windows 7

clsid · 8th May 2009, 22:06

Windows 7 uses its own DirectShow filters for decoding several audio and video formats.

Changing which filters get used requires modifications to some Registry keys, including adjusting access permissions. This can be quite difficult (and dangerous) for novice users.

Below you can find a small tool that can change the preferred filters with just a few clicks.

So now you can play .mkv files with for example ffdshow as the video decoder in Windows Media Center!

Currently supported formats:
* H.264
* MPEG-4 (Xvid/DivX/MP4V)
* MPEG-2
* VC-1 and WMVA
* WMV1/2/3
* DV
* MJPEG
* AAC
* MP1
* MP2
* MP3

Currently supported third party filters (32-bit):
* ffdshow
* LAV Video
* LAV CUVID
* MPCVideoDec
* CoreAVC H.264 decoder
* Xvid MPEG-4 decoder
* DivX H.264 decoder
* DivX MPEG-4 decoder
* DScaler5 MPEG-2 decoder
* Gabest MPEG-2 decoder
* Cyberlink H.264 decoder (PDVD 7/8/9/10)
* Cyberlink MPEG-2 decoder (PDVD 7/8/9/10)
* Cyberlink VC-1 decoder (patched with VC1Tweak: guid {394DFD1B-6F4C-4096-AA14-EF852B02595B})
* ArcSoft H.264 decoder
* ArcSoft MPEG-4 decoder
* ArcSoft MPEG-2 decoder
* ArcSoft VC-1 decoder (patched with VC1Tweak: guid {9DAD7B50-4432-4F48-AC60-B2B4E854454B})
* Monogram AAC decoder
* DiAVC H.264 decoder
* Purevideo MPEG-2 decoder
* NVIDIA MPEG-2 decoder
* Broadcom video decoder
* CoreAAC v2

Currently supported third party filters (64-bit):
* ffdshow
* LAV Video
* LAV CUVID
* CoreAVC
* DiAVC H.264 decoder
* MPCVideoDec
* Xvid MPEG-4 decoder
* Gabest MPEG-2 decoder
* CoreAAC v2

Works on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Note: The preferred filter settings only apply to DirectShow filters. It will not have any effect on files that are played using the Media Foundation framework! For example .m2ts and .mp4 files are played using Media Foundation. The tool also has specific tweaks to disable Media Foundation and other playback components from Microsoft.

Download (v4.6 - August 23rd 2011):

Hypernova · 9th May 2009, 01:13

Thanks clsid! This will help a lot. I think I should add something (that I think is related) tough. It seem like microsft got a way to make Media Extender play unsupport format or container by streaming files that the PC can play but the extender can't, and this seem to not work with file that decode by ffdshow. For example, I can play mkv file using xbox 360 if the file decoded by Microsoft decoder. But if that mkv is decoded by ffshow instead, the streaming won't work and I'll see an error. Not sure anything can fix that (I wish I could see subtitle in 360 though not much hope). Anyway, I just want to let anyone aware of this before using your tool. Again, thanks.

Atak_Snajpera · 9th May 2009, 08:14

clsid
Are you going to combine this tool with ffdshow installer?

clsid · 9th May 2009, 12:06

@Hypernova

I have no idea what MS did to make their software more compatible with the 360. But wasn't it already possible to stream .mkv files in Vista (after some reg tweaks)? From what I have read only 5.1 audio was problematic.

@Atak_Snajpera

If there is a demand for it, then maybe. First I will try to make the tool more complete.

Atak_Snajpera · 9th May 2009, 12:26

Quote:

If there is a demand for it, then maybe. First I will try to make the tool more complete.

FFdshow installer should automatically force ffdshow as preffered decoder if libavcodec or ffmpeg-mt is selected

9th May 2009, 12:32

another filters setting tool

Hypernova · 9th May 2009, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by clsid

@Hypernova

I have no idea what MS did to make their software more compatible with the 360. But wasn't it already possible to stream .mkv files in Vista (after some reg tweaks)? From what I have read only 5.1 audio was problematic.

I think I can't get even Windows 7 Beta to stream mkv (without regsitry tweaks). Probably just my misunderstanding. But at least I don't have to mess with registry to get mkv playing this time.

Is that registry tweaks make it possible to have subtitle via ffdshow? Could you point me out how to do it? I have been searching but never find anything that's help.

Rhane · 14th May 2009, 21:41

All I'm concerned about is if I can stream my .mkv's to my PS3 through the program "PS3 Media Server" http://ps3mediaserver.blogspot.com/

Anbody else using Windows 7 and this software?

clsid · 15th May 2009, 17:03

New version of the tool can be found in first post.

Keiyakusha · 15th May 2009, 19:03

I have CoreAVC with "preferred decoder" checked.
Before and after applying this tool I see this:

Should I see CoreAVC in this graph? (Win7 RC x86)

Edit: This is h264 video. For mp4 used haali splitter.

clsid · 16th May 2009, 12:46

I have only tested with ffdshow.

Carpo · 17th May 2009, 10:28

ok i must be doing something wrong because everytime i run this program i tell it to use ffdshow, but its looks like wmp 64 is still using its own codecs for x264 ac3 is handled by ffdshow, just seems the others are still being stolen by microsoft

Carpo · 17th May 2009, 16:28

fixed it, seems i needed to change a registry entry so the tool could write to it

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectShow\Preferred - give yourself write permissions on there and run clsid's tool and all is good

mr.duck · 18th May 2009, 14:00

what about the mess between 64 bit and 32 bit codecs?

The tool may work on 64 bit OS, but does it just set the prefered 32bit codecs?

clsid · 18th May 2009, 15:53

Quote:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectShow\Preferred - give yourself write permissions on there and run clsid's tool and all is good

The tool should be adjusting the permissions automatically by giving the Administrators group the ownership and full access. It seems this does not always work. I will see if I can improve that.

Simply running the tool again can show you if the changes were successful.

Quote:

The tool may work on 64 bit OS, but does it just set the prefered 32bit codecs?

It has separate options for 32-bit and 64-bit filters.

albain · 19th May 2009, 12:05

Good work clsid, I have seen your post about the user account control tool but I did not have the time to implement it.

Snakefood · 19th May 2009, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by clsid

Simply running the tool again can show you if the changes were successful.

And it doesnt work anyways. Nothing happens. W7 x64 build 7100. Any suggestions?

clsid · 19th May 2009, 14:40

Manually adjust the registry access permissions on
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectShow\Preferred

Edit: I have uploaded a new version. Maybe that will work better for you.

Edit2: I have just tested 0.4 on a completely fresh install of Windows 7 x64 build 7127 and it worked OK.

Snakefood · 20th May 2009, 00:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by clsid

Edit2: I have just tested 0.4 on a completely fresh install of Windows 7 x64 build 7127 and it worked OK.

yeah works great, thanks a lot

Atak_Snajpera · 20th May 2009, 15:11

Quote:

Edit: I have uploaded a new version. Maybe that will work better for you.

Did you change commandline for SetACL?

8th May 2009, 22:06	#1 \| Link
clsid ***** Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 5,712	Tool for changing preferred DirectShow filters in Windows 7 Windows 7 uses its own DirectShow filters for decoding several audio and video formats. Changing which filters get used requires modifications to some Registry keys, including adjusting access permissions. This can be quite difficult (and dangerous) for novice users. Below you can find a small tool that can change the preferred filters with just a few clicks. So now you can play .mkv files with for example ffdshow as the video decoder in Windows Media Center! Currently supported formats: * H.264 * MPEG-4 (Xvid/DivX/MP4V) * MPEG-2 * VC-1 and WMVA * WMV1/2/3 * DV * MJPEG * AAC * MP1 * MP2 * MP3 Currently supported third party filters (32-bit): * ffdshow * LAV Video * LAV CUVID * MPCVideoDec * CoreAVC H.264 decoder * Xvid MPEG-4 decoder * DivX H.264 decoder * DivX MPEG-4 decoder * DScaler5 MPEG-2 decoder * Gabest MPEG-2 decoder * Cyberlink H.264 decoder (PDVD 7/8/9/10) * Cyberlink MPEG-2 decoder (PDVD 7/8/9/10) * Cyberlink VC-1 decoder (patched with VC1Tweak: guid {394DFD1B-6F4C-4096-AA14-EF852B02595B}) * ArcSoft H.264 decoder * ArcSoft MPEG-4 decoder * ArcSoft MPEG-2 decoder * ArcSoft VC-1 decoder (patched with VC1Tweak: guid {9DAD7B50-4432-4F48-AC60-B2B4E854454B}) * Monogram AAC decoder * DiAVC H.264 decoder * Purevideo MPEG-2 decoder * NVIDIA MPEG-2 decoder * Broadcom video decoder * CoreAAC v2 Currently supported third party filters (64-bit): * ffdshow * LAV Video * LAV CUVID * CoreAVC * DiAVC H.264 decoder * MPCVideoDec * Xvid MPEG-4 decoder * Gabest MPEG-2 decoder * CoreAAC v2 Works on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7. Note: The preferred filter settings only apply to DirectShow filters. It will not have any effect on files that are played using the Media Foundation framework! For example .m2ts and .mp4 files are played using Media Foundation. The tool also has specific tweaks to disable Media Foundation and other playback components from Microsoft. Download (v4.6 - August 23rd 2011): __________________ MPC-HC 2.4.0 Last edited by clsid; 23rd August 2011 at 17:03.

9th May 2009, 08:14	#3 \| Link
Atak_Snajpera RipBot264 author Join Date: May 2006 Location: Poland Posts: 7,925	clsid Are you going to combine this tool with ffdshow installer? __________________ Windows 7 Image Updater - SkyLake\KabyLake\CoffeLake\Ryzen Threadripper

9th May 2009, 12:06	#4 \| Link
clsid ***** Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 5,712	@Hypernova I have no idea what MS did to make their software more compatible with the 360. But wasn't it already possible to stream .mkv files in Vista (after some reg tweaks)? From what I have read only 5.1 audio was problematic. @Atak_Snajpera If there is a demand for it, then maybe. First I will try to make the tool more complete. __________________ MPC-HC 2.4.0

15th May 2009, 17:03	#9 \| Link
clsid ***** Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 5,712	New version of the tool can be found in first post. __________________ MPC-HC 2.4.0

15th May 2009, 19:03	#10 \| Link
Keiyakusha 契約者 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,576	I have CoreAVC with "preferred decoder" checked. Before and after applying this tool I see this: Should I see CoreAVC in this graph? (Win7 RC x86) Edit: This is h264 video. For mp4 used haali splitter. Last edited by Keiyakusha; 15th May 2009 at 20:14.

9th May 2009, 01:13	#2 \| Link
Hypernova Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 293	Thanks clsid! This will help a lot. I think I should add something (that I think is related) tough. It seem like microsft got a way to make Media Extender play unsupport format or container by streaming files that the PC can play but the extender can't, and this seem to not work with file that decode by ffdshow. For example, I can play mkv file using xbox 360 if the file decoded by Microsoft decoder. But if that mkv is decoded by ffshow instead, the streaming won't work and I'll see an error. Not sure anything can fix that (I wish I could see subtitle in 360 though not much hope). Anyway, I just want to let anyone aware of this before using your tool. Again, thanks.

9th May 2009, 12:32	#6 \| Link
gswudi Guest Posts: n/a	another filters setting tool

14th May 2009, 21:41	#8 \| Link
Rhane Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	All I'm concerned about is if I can stream my .mkv's to my PS3 through the program "PS3 Media Server" http://ps3mediaserver.blogspot.com/ Anbody else using Windows 7 and this software?

16th May 2009, 12:46	#11 \| Link
clsid ***** Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 5,712	I have only tested with ffdshow. __________________ MPC-HC 2.4.0

17th May 2009, 10:28	#12 \| Link
Carpo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: /dev/null Posts: 1,368	ok i must be doing something wrong because everytime i run this program i tell it to use ffdshow, but its looks like wmp 64 is still using its own codecs for x264 ac3 is handled by ffdshow, just seems the others are still being stolen by microsoft __________________ The Internet: where men are men, women are men, and children are FBI Agents

17th May 2009, 16:28	#13 \| Link
Carpo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: /dev/null Posts: 1,368	fixed it, seems i needed to change a registry entry so the tool could write to it HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectShow\Preferred - give yourself write permissions on there and run clsid's tool and all is good __________________ The Internet: where men are men, women are men, and children are FBI Agents

18th May 2009, 14:00	#14 \| Link
mr.duck quack quack Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 259	what about the mess between 64 bit and 32 bit codecs? The tool may work on 64 bit OS, but does it just set the prefered 32bit codecs?

19th May 2009, 12:05	#16 \| Link
albain Media Control author Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Paris Posts: 1,019	Good work clsid, I have seen your post about the user account control tool but I did not have the time to implement it.

19th May 2009, 14:40	#18 \| Link
clsid ***** Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 5,712	Manually adjust the registry access permissions on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectShow\Preferred Edit: I have uploaded a new version. Maybe that will work better for you. Edit2: I have just tested 0.4 on a completely fresh install of Windows 7 x64 build 7127 and it worked OK. __________________ MPC-HC 2.4.0 Last edited by clsid; 19th May 2009 at 17:04.

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