Okay--now what do I do?

[Erik Lassi]

I was thinking that we could use a thread for when someone runs into a problem and could use some advice.

[Erik Lassi]

Okay, so I authored a DVD in Encore after cutting it in Premiere and it plays fine on a stand-alone player--but when I pop it into a PC and Windows Media Player launches, I will only get (depending on the machine and version of WMP): video with no audio, audio with no video, a codec error or it plays fine.

The DVD plays fine on InterVideo WinDVD.

Any ideas? I'm suspecting that Windows jacked up the codecs in a software push.

[Jim Brennan]

Good idea on the thread, sort of a 911 section.

Sorry I can't help on the question. When I run into a tech problem like this I go to either Creative Cow or DVXuser.

Both are full of pros who can answer almost anything, no matter the platform or situation.

[Haylar Garcia]

YEah there is a CASA user here named Jon Firestone, who besides Wyndham out in boulder may be the most hard/software savvy guy I have ever met in this town.
Firestone is a virtual battery of info. And like some super educated people, he is the nicest cat you;d ever want to meet.

-Haylar 09

[Erik Lassi]

Thanks guys!

From what I've deduced it's a codec issue with WMP and it's something that's out of my control.

Ain't Microsoft grand...?

[Will Rosecrans]

Based on what you've said, it certainly sounds like a codec issue on the systems that won't play the burned DVD. I strongly suspect that they wouldn't play a commercial pressed DVD either. Unfortunately, DVD's are encumbered by a zillion patents, so making a legal DVD player program in America requires paying money to license everything, which means Microsoft can't legally just throw in free DVD player software with Windows. It would drive up the price.

But, there is another option. You can always use "VLC." It's free software that plays almost anything, and is available for most platforms. So, you could just burn a copy of the installer along with a readme on your burned DVD's, so that you can have the player software handy in a pinch. The project is organised overseas where the software patents don't apply, so they can give away the software legally. You can download it at videolan.org

You can also include an AVI with a common codec on your DVD in addition to the DVD format video. Users with only the "out of the box" Windows Media Player could play the AVI instead of the DVD video.