MKV playback issue after boot

[timeless]

I have this weird issue, its totally random and seems to happen on MKV files.. for some reason after booting up my PC the first MKV l open seems to make my system hang for a few seconds or so for no apparent reason l can think of.. nothing has changed since my reinstall apart from less clutter.

the codec pack l use is CCCP with xy-VSFilter. (updated my system spec so refer to that for my hardware info).

 

[kbrady1979]

Is your media player up to date? When you say it hangs up, do you mean it takes a few seconds to load up, or your system actually hangs up and you can't do anything else until it is done?

 

[timeless]

l decided to update xy-VSFilter as it seems there have been updates so lm now using the latest version of the filter (tho lm unsure until the problem happens again if this has anything to do with it).

as for your question, my whole system hangs... mouse is unresponsive until the file loads when it happens which as l said is random and only seems to happen after booting into windows and as lve previously stated it only seems to happen on mkv files (the first one l open).. from what lve noticed so far as lve played one or two other files no problem, once its happened everything seems to work ok afterwards until the next reboot or two when it occurs again randomly.

 

[kbrady1979]

Definitely odd. Try this: VLC Media Player is a great media player that is very highly recommended that will play MKV files right out of the box. Give it a whirl and see if the problem is still there. Might be able to rule out some things, and you might end up liking it!

Here is the link----> VLC Media Player

 

[Wishmaster]

Sounds like a code issue.
To keep it light without a bunch of un-needed codecs, you could try Haali Media Splitter as this is usually all you really need.
Its just a splitter so that WMP can play MKVs without all the extra stuff that you may not need.

 

[timeless]

l use media player classic as everything works through it.. lve found quite a few MKV files that just wont work through WMP no matter what l do..

as for using Haali Media Splitter, thats pretty much what l use extensively for mkv playback tho the general usage dictates that most videos l run generally use Haali Media Splitter, FFDshow (audio/video) and directvobsub to load my videos/produce subtitles for the content l watch as its mostly subtitled, these days l find very few files hard subbed hence why the issue is annoying albeit once a week but being a perfectionist l dislike any hangs even if its once a week when l reboot my system.

on a side note, lm not a great fan of VLC.

 

[Wishmaster]

Remember, MKV is just a container. Most commonly, they use x264 for video stream and AC3 or AAC for audio. If this is the case, WMP shouldn't have any issue. If you created these files yourself, try making them with these formats and see if it helps.
Problems arise though when different codecs WMP doesnt support natively are used in the MKV container. DTS or some video formats for example sometimes causes issues.

Halii and FFDshow is a good choice to keep things light and should be all you need in regards to codecs.
But, you may need to disable Windows built in codecs with soemething line Win7 DSFiliterTweaker to force FFDshow to work. Sometime it just doesnt unless you do.

Have you tried this? On the MKV files you have tried, do you have the little red and blue ffdshow icon in the takbar by the clock? If not, its probably not working and running of Windows own codecs.
As mentioned, this isn't usually a issue if the video and audio streams are natively supported.

Beyond that, Im not sure what to suggest but trying a different player. I just use Nero Showtime myself, but thats not a free option.

 

[timeless]

well lve been having recommendations elsewhere and have been told my codec pack is updating some point soon on their website. however lm curious regarding this "DSFiliterTweaker" you speak of, any chance of a link? l did google but ld like to make sure lm getting it from a reputable site.

 

[Wishmaster]

MajorGeeks.Com

Essentially, you open it and choose prefered decoders.
On the 32bit side, just change from MS to FFDshow (Just be sure FFDshow is set to decode the ones you set it for)
You do not need the 64bit side, unless using WMC.
And remember to change them back to MS if you decide not to go this route.

You probablly already know, but for the record, this method is really meant for FFDshow+Haali Splitter type set up. Not really a full codec pack as some include similar methods in them.

 

[boohbah]

how about trying a different codec pack,
i would uninstall cccp and install windows 7 codecs from here .i never had any problems when i used to use them.

http://shark007.net/win7codecs.html

 

[timeless]

ld prefer to stay with CCCP, lve used it for years and matches all the formats l play.. in fact it was specifically aimed at the anime community, and the issue lve experienced its the first glitch lve ever had if its related to something within the codec pack, from what lm aware however it seems like there might be a new pack out soon so maybe things will work better soon who knows.

@Wishmaster

thanks for the link, played with the tweaks and got all my mkvs working through WMP granted l dont use WMP much but generally when l do l dont want to mess up MPCs playlist when lm watching a random file, its been slightly annoying having to be careful not to mess with my playlist opening some files .

 

[Wishmaster]

That methos does work well for WMP and it keeps things light.

In regards to to the SHark codec pack, I had used that in the past and it was very good. I too would recommedn it as a package.

For me, I make all my own videos as MKVs, and prefer just using a splitter and nothing more. But worst case scenario adding FFDshow.
But, thats simply because I like to keep things as light as possible. And often the codec packs have several things I would never need and are pointless having.
It also helps reduce any chance of conflicts. Sometimes, less is better. So thats the reason I suggest giving this route a shot.

But, at least you have some options now and experient a bit a see which method you like best.

If you do decide a complete package suits your needs better, do give Sharks pack a try at least.
But remember to un-install everything you currently have 1st before moving to something else or you'll have problems.

Glad things seem to be working for you now though. Has the freezing stopped?

 

[timeless]

with regards to the hangs lve been on about, l wont know until it happens again after a reboot as it seems to only happen after one on the first file l open.

 

[timeless]

just thought ld update this thread, so far so good, followed the instructions based upon the makers recommendations

hanging on opening MKV files

its likely l will update after a few months of the new version coming out when it does but we shall see.

 

[timeless]

l had the problem again, however while its random lm playing with a longshot here as lve read random reports of issues with spyware software.

l noticed that Windows Defender was running, and my current software (firewall/antivirus) normally disabled it when installing..

generally my problem has happened directly or shortly after booting into windows and lm wondering if both programs were trying to scan the same file on opening or something to that effect. so far after 2 reboots nothing has happened but lve only rebooted once with it turned off.