AVI files not playing on HD200

[paulbeers]

Sounds like the Sigma chip used in the HD200 does not natively support MJPEG videos. In this case, Stand alone will never work. In extender Mode, the Sage server can transcode the video (or probably other tricks) to get it to work. This is just my opinion.

[metapath]

OK, here's the CODEC info from VideoLan on the Canon AVI files that play fine on my system:
Stream 0
Codec: MJPG
Type: Video
Resolution: 640x480
Frame rate: 30.000300
Stream 1
Codec: araw
Type: Audio
Channels: 1
Sample rate: 44100 Hz
Bits per sample: 16
Bitrate: 705 kb/s

By the way, VideoLan complains that this file is "broken" and wants to repair it (same as another user posted).

Having said all that, I tried downloading and playing the AVI posted at the beginning of this thread, and I cannot play it; both standalone and extender modes just give a black screen.

[kevandcan]

Originally Posted by metapath

OK, here's the CODEC info from VideoLan on the Canon AVI files that play fine on my system:
Stream 0
Codec: MJPG
Type: Video
Resolution: 640x480
Frame rate: 30.000300
Stream 1
Codec: araw
Type: Audio
Channels: 1
Sample rate: 44100 Hz
Bits per sample: 16
Bitrate: 705 kb/s

By the way, VideoLan complains that this file is "broken" and wants to repair it (same as another user posted).

Having said all that, I tried downloading and playing the AVI posted at the beginning of this thread, and I cannot play it; both standalone and extender modes just give a black screen.

Yea, I'm not sure what the deal is - either way, the file does play in SageTV on the computer, so it <should> play on the HD200 in extender mode...not sure why it doesn't.

[paulbeers]

Originally Posted by kevandcan

Yea, I'm not sure what the deal is - either way, the file does play in SageTV on the computer, so it <should> play on the HD200 in extender mode...not sure why it doesn't.

Not true. A PC can play a multitude of files because of the many software decoders (if you can't play a file type with one decoder just try another) and extreme flexibility of a pc. The same is NOT true of a hardware decoder like the HD200. They have a limited (in comparison to a PC) in what they can playback. While the HD200 can play many types, if it can't play it natively (as I have a feeling MJPEG's is one of the types it can't), then the Sage server would have to transcode the video into something the HD200 can play. This would require additional programming by the Sage Developers.

[metapath]

But what's odd is that the MJPG's from my Canon SD-1000 play fine on the HD-200 in both standalone and extender modes. Just not the one from the poster's high end Canon.
Very strange.

[joelinkup]

I will add that the videos (AVI's) from my Canon Powershot S3IS, S5IS, and A710IS all play just fine using the HD200 in extender mode... However, they will not play in stand alone mode where the time bar moves along but there is no picture... The AVI from the poster will not play in either mode... Also my Canon AVI's are 640x480 & the posters is 320x160 if that has anything to do with it...

[amccrea]

I too have this problem.
Videos from a Canon PowerShot SD450 just play a black screen and no sound. (MJPEG 640x480@30fps)

I also have some older videos taken with a Canon Optura 200mc video camera (Using SDcard mode) that also WILL NOT play. (MJPEG 320x240@15fps)

I have some more videos taken with another older Cannon PowerShot (don't know the model as it is now defunct) that DO play. (MJPEG 320x240@30fps)

I recently switched from using a PC to an HD200 extender and was quite surprised when I went to play a home video and nothing happened. Having the ability to play home videos was one of the main features I liked about having an HTPC setup. I hope they find a solution for this.

I'll add to the above...

This was tested in extender mode. I just now tried it in standalone and NONE on the videos play properly. No video at all for any of them, some have no audio, some have glitchy intermittment "chipmunk sounding" audio (playing way too fast and dropping in and out), and some have perfect audio.

Since these Canon cameras are some of the most common on the planet, it seems like there would be support for them. I would hate to have to transcode all of these videos plus any future ones.

Anyone know of a way to batch transcode files like this from the command line? Maybe I could setup a scheduled task to convert files at night.

[kevandcan]

I downloaded the latest RC for SageTV and then upgraded my HD200 to the latest beta and the AVIs now play! Great job, SageTV staff!

[amccrea]

I upgraded my SageTV server to 6.5.9 and now the mjpeg avi's play in extender mode. SageTV is transcoding them to the HD200. I had to change my transcoder quality from high to normal as the videos would pause every 4-5 seconds. My server is an older P4 2.8Ghz and the transcoder was peaking at about 50% CPU. Anyone know if this is normal? Does it conserve CPU to make sure recordings are not interrupted?

This was with the 12302008 firmware. I tried the most recent beta firmware and the videos still don't play properly in standalone mode.