The latest beta of Windows 7 blocks the usage of third party video decoders from Windows Media Player and MCE. Albain, a DirectShow (ffdshow) developer explains in his own words what he encountered when he was testing the multimedia pipeline of Windows 7 in the latest build 7057."Microsoft has locked mpeg4 and h264 codecs into Media Foundation, the replacer of DirectShow (even if directshow is still supported).There is no way to override those codecs, even if you develop a Media Foundation version of your decoder, because Microsoft maintains a list of preferred codecs (their codecs) into the registry (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and HKLM \MediaFoundation\Transforms\Preferred), and this registry key cannot be modified, even in admin mode. Only TrustedInstaller user can modify it, which is FYI the user that protects system files, and it cannot be used. Microsoft brought those new codecs, but blocked the possibility to use alternate codecs in their applications."
Windows Media Center and Windows Media Player users might need to worry whether things would still be the same in Windows 7 RC or whether it might change, even though there are alternative players options.
The E7 team revealed last month that in addition to built in DivX support, Windows Media Player will also natively support the .mov files.
3rd party codecs blocked? OH, TEH HORRAR!!!!11 HOW WILL WE SURVIVE!!!!
Well for things like DivX (which is constantly reducing the load needed to DECompress a file and stream it), I'd say that's not good.
Can't imagine the DivX encoder app being too happy either, because it will want version x, but windows is running version 1.0 (or whatever is shipped),
Jokes aside, there are situations where 3rd party codecs (even replacing default ones) are necessary. For example, the low end hardware in a lot of HTPC's makes it impossible to run HD H.264 with anything other than the CoreAVC codec.
Locking out 3rd party codecs = Bad
So much for "developers, developers, developers"
I'm glad I already uninstalled wmp, and reading that just further confirms that uninstalling wmp was a good idea. Good riddance.
I'm glad I already uninstalled wmp, and reading that just further confirms that uninstalling wmp was a good idea. Good riddance.
What? It's not even true. So who cares?
I read the original thread, it is just some forum message, I'm not sure it is main page material.
Last edited by Beastage on 26 Mar 2009 - 21:19
Wait for the release candidate before you pull out the torches and pitchforks.
much as I hate fixing up other peoples machines cluttered with lame codecs...
locking out the ability to replace codecs is retarded, Microsofties are not the best coders in the universe.
This could not have been written by someone who has even the slightest clue in video editing and encoding.
Also you need ffdshow to add Unsharp mask at 40%. That makes any movies (mainly HD ones) A LOT BETTER.
I recommend it with 5/5 stars
If they don't block them, the EU will no doubt hassle them. If they do, Windows users who are avvy enough to know what they are doing will get angry about it.
Gotta feel for them at times.
It's not third party software, it's third party codecs ONLY on windows media player. Gizmodo's title was very misleading.
Anyway, MS is just giving us what we want - a more stable Windows - but naturally people are gonna complain now because they can't install third party codecs....but if they could then someone else would complain their Windows crashes all the time due to dodgy third party codec install, MS can't win
It is BETA hense things turn off and on from build to build to test features, localize errors with "codecs" and third party software/codecs are tested for performance, compatibility, etc.
If MS wants to shut it off for now to test other issues in a "LEAKED" build that you are running for FREE that you DOWNLOADED off of certain sites other than Microsoft then let them. They didn't block it in the "ONLY" real release of a public BETA did they?
Stop the moaning and those who are hating so much have you looked under your APPLE lately? It's a PC...
When its official or an RC is released for download from MS and the codecs are not allowed to be installed then perhaps you can address it. Until that moment happens don't hate it.
Also, you're the only person who has said anything about Apple.
If you're installing your own codecs, you are also highly likely to install your own media player that will work with those codecs, so I don't see the big deal.
The title for this article is what is bringing so much confusion... This only applies to Windows Media Player and MCE, not the entire operating system, if I am indeed reading it right.
In previous windows like Vista, Server 2008, XP, etc. the subtitles showed in Windows Media Player 'cause it was actually ffdshow that was rendering the files and subtitles.
To me this is kinda a big deal 'cause I like to have subtitles, and it'll be a huge deal to any hearing impaired person.
they're only doing for WMP(and MCE) though. it's THEIR app anyway, what they were doing before was leaving the door open for anyone to alter the playability of certain video files in a key windows component such as wmp. let's face it, changing those codecs is only for advanced users and it's not like the behaviour is being altered for other apps
So, you can change the owner of those keys an then modify them at will.
Good point.
The ffdshow installer could simply (running in elevated mode) add the user running the instalation to the allowed users to modify this entry and be done with it.
IMO, this is a nonstory and just plain bitching...
This isn't one of those times. Cheers to Microsoft for making Windows more usable and stable.
this is doesn't lock 3rd party codecs, just the codecs that WMP uses. WMP is gash anyway
Everyone already uses VLC, so I don't see how it might affect anyone, expect the ones that sell their own codecs like Intervideo.
1) WMP can use 3rd party codec, I am playing RMVB format in it, am pretty sure it is not included inside WMP (Win 7, first beta)
2) not everyone uses VLC, most ppl use WMP, I like MediaPlayer Classic, sometimes GOM Player but since WMP can play now all videos I use WMP mostly
When that fails then MPlayer with -vo gl2 -ass -sid 0
microsoft purposely locks out something and waits for people to complain..... then it nailz them hax0rz!
another reason for restricting the new WMP to MS codecs: the anti-trust blokes!
if WMP supports any ol' codec, everyone's happy with WMP and won't even bat an eyelid on 3rd party offerings.
then the 3rd party small players will complain to their union or something and lawyers come out to play....
I installed CCCP under 7057 different alternative codecs work fine even under WMP12...
I'm running Windows 7 build 7057 right now and all the videos played in WMP are too bright. I used to tweak my ffdshow settings for things like this in XP but now it's impossible. My little finger tells me that DRM is behind all this.
I'm running Windows 7 build 7057 right now and all the videos played in WMP are too bright. I used to tweak my ffdshow settings for things like this in XP but now it's impossible. My little finger tells me that DRM is behind all this.
Take off the tin hat.
I have some xvid/divx video's that simply don't work: I hear the audio but the screen remains black (only in fullscreen mode). And for some reason I can't play my DVD rips anymore from MediaCenter: "video error".
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