This may not be a DS topic, but it derives from the render error discussion in the MenuModder sticky and there are some experienced people here.
Like many, I never purposely installed a codec pack to handle DVD files. The decoders in my computer originated from one of the software players bundled with hardware --> I assume the last one I installed. As such, the whole process seems out of control when I run into problems (like the render error in the MenuModder player). I’d like to have a little understanding of, and control over, what my system is using.
For example, GSpot reports a certain decoding path used for VOB files. I assume that describes the internal assignments used by WMP and WMP-based players (true??). I don’t know if the same path is used by other video players, or if they use their own internal routines. By extension, I don’t know what software will be affected if I install an MPEG2 codec pack (just the WMP-based players, or other players as well ??). I also don’t know how to maintain control of the codec assignments when I install new software, or update software, that presumptuously inserts its own codecs.
As you can see, I may hold the world’s record for "things I don’t know".
Request:
Can someone point to good intermediate-level descriptions of how video codecs get assigned to, and used by, the video software normally in a Windows computer? (For now, my interest is with DVD files.) Also, a discussion of tools to observe and control the codec assignments would be nice. (Note: Forums are OK, but they’re confusing for a newbie to plow through --> tutorials or articles would be much better.)
Thanks for any info.
Paul
Like many, I never purposely installed a codec pack to handle DVD files. The decoders in my computer originated from one of the software players bundled with hardware --> I assume the last one I installed. As such, the whole process seems out of control when I run into problems (like the render error in the MenuModder player). I’d like to have a little understanding of, and control over, what my system is using.
For example, GSpot reports a certain decoding path used for VOB files. I assume that describes the internal assignments used by WMP and WMP-based players (true??). I don’t know if the same path is used by other video players, or if they use their own internal routines. By extension, I don’t know what software will be affected if I install an MPEG2 codec pack (just the WMP-based players, or other players as well ??). I also don’t know how to maintain control of the codec assignments when I install new software, or update software, that presumptuously inserts its own codecs.
As you can see, I may hold the world’s record for "things I don’t know".Request:
Can someone point to good intermediate-level descriptions of how video codecs get assigned to, and used by, the video software normally in a Windows computer? (For now, my interest is with DVD files.) Also, a discussion of tools to observe and control the codec assignments would be nice. (Note: Forums are OK, but they’re confusing for a newbie to plow through --> tutorials or articles would be much better.)
Thanks for any info.
Paul
