Codec help!!!! video issues

[setherd]

My hard drive died in my sagetv box so I ended up doing a clean install.

specs:
Vista home prem. 32 bit
4GB ram
2.5TB of storage (2TB plus 500GB)
AMD 5000+ cpu at 2.8GHz
AMD 785G based motherboard using onboard HD3200 graphics
HDhomerun
Nvidia DUal TV capture card.
latest drivers for all including latest AMD catalyst drivers

before my HD died. all my files played back fine.

I bought CoreAVC codec and was using this. so I reinstalled it. I also used the Shark 007 codec pack.

Most of my videos playback fine. recorded tv is fine.
some of my videos show lots of tearing. mainly MP4 files.
I've been trying different settings. nothing helped. I uninstalled coreavc and tried using shark007 for everything. and its a little worse,

the weird thing is I have a M2TS (bluray) file that plays fine with coreavc installed. once I uninstalled it when I tried to play it....it crashes sagetv instantly.

I know all this is kinds vague. does anyone know a good codec install guide to look at??

[paulie]

I'm using cyberlink H.264/AVC decoder (PCM45) which works great for me. I think it came with cyberlink power cinema that came free with one of my tuners.

[panteragstk]

Codec packs are not a good idea. They usually install all kinds of stuff you don't need.

Install coreavc again. Then install ffdshow. That should take care of 95% of what you'd need for playback.

What are the file extensions of the ones that are causing trouble?

[setherd]

mp4 and m2ts

weird thing is the mp4 files seem to be working now

[hedly]

Make sure you have the latest ATI drivers. I had some serious issues with some older ones that caused everything to crash, especially the lo-def stuff. The HD stuff seems to play better.

[setherd]

I've got the latest drivers.

so far I can get mp4 files playing fine but then all my audio is coming out in stereo.
it seems like I'll fix one problem and another crops up