DVD sound playback

[peterb]

Just swapped out the CD ROM on my aged laptop for a Samsung DVD writer. It was an OEM drive without any driver disk. The laptop is dual boot - Linux (FC6) and Windows 2K

It plays back DVDs with out any problems under Linux, using Xine, so the drive itself is fine (and using libdvdcss - irrespective of regional settings)

However on Windows the video playback is fine, but there is no sound.

I have

set it to the correct region
checked playback digital sound
Uninstalled and rebooted (although I didn't physically remove the drivce in betwen reboots
Checked all the sound inputs on the sound properties box
searched for any updated drive firmware (although the drive works as is under Linux)

It reads data DVDs OK (but then if it disn't it wouldn't playback at all)

CDs played back without problem with the old CD player, normal system siounds are fine (the irritating MS start up sound and that sort of stuff) as are MP3 files from the hard drive.

The playback software is the satndard Windows DVD player.

Very frustrating and it must be something simple - any thoughts?

[Agent]

What player are you using?
Happen on all disks?

The first 2 things I can think of it make sure the auto setting is correct (SPDIF or not) and that the correct audio stream is selected just in case its chosen the wrong one.

[peterb]

Its a Samsung slimline standard IDE device - just swapped it for tehCD ROm that was there before - no SPdif or other connectors on it just the miniature (laptop) ide connector.

It plays back without any problem under FC6, so the connections and device itself are OK - definitely a windows problem!

I have had a look at the laptop website and downloaded the latest sound driver, but that was a bit of a long shot (and made no difference)

[Agent]

SPDIF - as in the output from the software player, not the physical wiring on the device itself.

Most players will have an option to output in analogue or digital over the SPDIF link. If you have the wrong one selected to what you're using, you won't hear any sound

[peterb]

Just a standard laptop with built in sound on the mobo. The only setting on the set up page for the DVD is to enable or disable digital CD audio - tried both settings - neither make any difference.

However, is there a different audio decoder required for DVD sound?

[Agent]

All licensed DVD players should play back sound without an issue, but you've not said what it is
I'm very surprised if there isn't an option for digital out though. I've always had this even on laptops without the option.

You could install AC3Filter which will decode AC3 streams, but there shouldn't be a need for this on licensed players. AC3 Filter is mainly used for ripping / re-encoding ect.

Have you tried VLC to test in addition to the current one?

[peterb]

The problem is that the DVD reader in the laptop plays back the video stream (I can watch it) but not the audio stream! (I can't hear the sound track) However, I think it is an audio decoder that is missing - I've just tested it with an audio CD and that plays back in Media player, Real player and Windows CD player.

There is the option for digital out on the DVDROm properties panel - but changing that has made no difference. The laptop itself doesn't have an SPdif output (and I'm playing back through the built in speakers anyway) and there is no option for digital input on the sound mixer panel!

All the hardware is OK (otherwise I couldn't play it back - with sound - under Xine) just irritating thatt I can't when I have booted it into windows!

[Agent]

AGHGH, what's the bloody player are you using?

[peterb]

LG GSA20T (I did mention it was Samsung earlier - my mistake)

Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

[this_is_gav]

I think he means which program are you using to play it in Windows, such as Windows Media Player.

[peterb]

DOH! Its the standard Windows DVD player. (Pity there isn't a "sorry" or "aplogies" button like the thanks button)

Windows Media Player reports no disk in the drive, although looking at Tools options Devices recognises the drive and the CD title - but won't play, and real player plays back the video - but no sound!

[Agent]

DOH! Its the standard Windows DVD player. (Pity there isn't a "sorry" or "aplogies" button like the thanks button)

Windows Media Player reports no disk in the drive, although looking at Tools options Devices recognises the drive and the CD title - but won't play, and real player plays back the video - but no sound!

Assuming you are using Windows Media Player here and nothing else, its most likely it will be a decoder issue.

WMP has *no* ability to play back commercial/encrypted DVDs. It needs an external decoder to be able to play them. Most commonly people install a program like WinDVD / PowerDVD ect. which will then allow WMP to play the DVD.
If you can play video it sounds like you have a codec installed to decrypt the video section (Codec pack?), but not the audio section.

Download AC3Filter and try that.

If that doesn't work, download VLC and try that just for testing.

Edit - when right clicking on the video, choose "Audio and language tracks" - do you have one selected or are they all greyed out?

[peterb]

WMP won't play it at all. Only Real pPlayer and Windows DVD Player give the video stream.

When I get home I'll try VLC and AC3 filter, but I think I'll end up physically uninstalling and then re-installing the drive to see if Wndows asks for the original install disk for additional decoders.

Thanks for the help. (and sorry I was so dense about the application!!)

[directhex]

there are 2 main issues, typically. you need an MPEG2 codec (windows does not ship with one), and an MPEG2-PS filter (windows, again, does not ship with one). on top of that, you'll need audio codecs (e.g. AC3)

possibly the path of least resistance is to use VLC, or ffdshow-tryouts. or buy a dvd decoder lib.

[Agent]

Windows will never ask for decoders for a device, only drivers.

The data can be read off the device - that's not the issue. Its just the media players you are trying can not understand the data.

Think of it like this: You plug in a USB removable drive with a divx video on it. Windows won't ask for the divx decoder because there is a new device. Data is data, its up to the program you open it with to decode it

I'm not sure about "Windows DVD player" I'm afraid though. I only (just) remember that was in Windows ME, but I've not seen it in XP before (I've not exactly looked for it though). Is it part of MCE by any chance?
If you have it as part of Windows, I can't see why it won't play the audio. Any licensed player would have the codec included.

[Agent]

....ffdshow...

I really shouldn't keep assuming people "just have it installed"

Its pretty much a requirement on Windows these days I find.