XP MCE > Vista MCE - I've converted but need help!

benaylen · **20th August 2008, 05:42 PM**

I've been running XP MCE on a Gigabyte H663 HTPC for 4 years as our only source of TV in the home. Have had plenty of bumps along the way, but have been told Vista MCE is more stable so I've given it a go.

My problem is I've installed the latest DivX codec but can't play videos within MCE, they just appear black & white scrambled like bad reception. They do however work fine using Windows Media Player outside of MCE. Any clues??

I have several other gripes that I'm not sure if there are solutions for:
1. Thumbnails show only the top half of the folder.jpg image if it's in a folder. What's up with that!
2. The Vista MCE Library is not selective enough. Why can't I choose pictures only within pictures library, instead it goes hunting for pictures within my videos folder and vice versa.

Ice TV EPG is working sweet though as always. Those guys rock!!!

Cheers
Ben

DDH · **20th August 2008, 06:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by benaylen

My problem is I've installed the latest DivX codec but can't play videos within MCE, they just appear black & white scrambled like bad reception. They do however work fine using Windows Media Player outside of MCE. Any clues??

To get just about all file types playing in Vista you only need native Vista and ffdShow. This includes DivX. Vista is much simpler, really it works, then you load things to break it!

What have you loaded to try and use these files?

benaylen · **20th August 2008, 08:56 PM**

ffdshow worked a treat. That's new to me. I'm too old skool and have always just ran with DivX codec on XP and she's never let me down. No so for Vista though.

I got to say, I'm liking how Vista is a bit more ready-to-go out of the box.

I am NOT liking the interface. The whole "show half a thumbnail" for folders joke is wearing thin.

Check this out for a XP vs. Vista comparison...

CowBoy Bob · **21st August 2008, 12:06 AM**

Hey benaylen, just install ffdshow for all your avi's etc, Haali Matroska splitter for any matroska rips you may have.
Also try media control for ff and rew of avi's etc.
Cant help you with the thumbnails in VMC problem youve got, I've never seen that happen.
Mind you I to prefer the MCE2005 thumbnail and menu layout over VMC's.

bill24 · **21st August 2008, 11:25 AM**

dvd add on's
http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/archi...1/1642806.aspx
http://www.mymovies.dk/