Windows 8

[feilh]

I just built a new system with Windows 8 PRO (no microsoft home theater stuff yet). Intel 3570K with HD4000 graphics and intel driver. Its almost a fresh build. I installed the netframework and C++ runtime libraries. I then installed npvr 2.5.9. I almost configured nothing. I didn't even install any tuner hardware/drivers yet. I copied a .ts file from my older system and stuck it in a video folder and tried to play it.

It wouldn't play the .ts file. I just got a black screen. I didn't think I would need to install any additional mpeg2 decoders to make this work with npvr.

logs attached.

Howard

[OTAjunkie]

Did you "almost" configure any decoders? And have you installed DirectX?

[Lao Pan]

Unfortunately it seams that MS has gone back to the dark days when you had to pay extra for mpeg2 & H264 codecs.
Even if you install the Media Centre Software the Microsoft DVD-DVT codec is not available to other Applications - you are going to find your own Codec Supply - I use SAF 6 http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...post414049 works well for me on 8 (but gives some scary messages during install which you can ignore)

[RadeoNite]

That doesn't seem to be the case for me, I can use the DTV-DVD Video Decoder perfectly fine (with DVB Viewer). NPVR also lists it as being available so that should work as well. I can't check as I have other issues :p.

[Reddwarf]

That doesn't seem to be the case for me, I can use the DTV-DVD Video Decoder perfectly fine (with DVB Viewer). NPVR also lists it as being available so that should work as well. I can't check as I have other issues :p.

You are on Windows 8?

[feilh]

My confusing with Windows 8 is that I thought npvr came with a ts player, and I didn't need to use a Microsoft decoder of install ffmpeg. I realize that Windows 8 did provide an mpeg2 decoder by default.

[sub]

NextPVR doesn't provide any decoders, since including these would require me to pay licensing costs, which I obviously cant do in a free app. Instead you need to supply your own decoders.

Vista/Win7 came with MPEG2 and H.264 decoders, and the app could use them. Win8 has the decoders on the machine, but my understanding is that they're not enabled until the user pays for a WMC addon. Its not clear if they're then usable by 3rd party apps like NextPVR though.

[Lao Pan]

Found this in a Windows 8 in depth article

Finally it's worth noting that, even if you've purchase the Media Center upgrade for Windows 8, you still will only be able to play DVDs or watch digital TV in Media Center -- the classic Media Player you've come to know in Windows 7 won't be able to play DVDs in Windows 8, even if the required codecs are installed.

So it is as I said - even though the Microsoft Codec shows in decoders in NPVR you get a black screen and no sound - I've just uninstalled Media Centre, not a lot of point having it on the computer.

[feilh]

Thanks for the replies. ffdshow and ac3 filters did give me picture+sound. I find that ffdshow hesitates a little after doing a skip forward or skip back. The microsoft decoders is quicker on the pickup. Disappointed to hear the media center upgrade won't expose those. I think you can get that for free right now with Windows 8 pro...I think I will try anyway.

[Lao Pan]

Yes at the moment you can get it for free for 8Pro - but unless you are going to use Media Centre it's self it is a waste of time installing it - I did, and it actually causes problems with NPVR and the MCE Remote - which can be overcome by disabling the MC Services and taking ownership of ehhome.exe & renaming.

The PDVD12 Codec is the best one for MPEG2 / H264 that I have found for skipping etc. - particularly good with Vector Adaptive Deinterlacing on Recent ATI Graphics Cards