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View Full Version : How to get TiVoToGo to play on WMP--codec issues


b1rdd0g
May 31st, 2005, 05:00 AM
OK, this one is tough to describe quickly, but here goes. TiVoToGo documents describe an AC3 codec (from sourceforge.net) that is supposed to work for playing *.tivo files (http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2176.htm), but I have not been able to get it to work. Windows Media Player throws an error: "Pins cannot connect du to not supporting the same transport." From what I have been able to gather from googling the web all day, incorrect codecs are most likely to blame. I downloaded a utility call "Sherlock--the codec detective" and found that I have a broken codec divx (if nothing else!) on this computer. I tried to uninstall the divx codec and found the uninstall link is missing, so I can't do a typical uninstall. So I have two areas that I can use help with:
1) How can I get rid of the divx codec that is broken? I don't believe I need it (this is my wife's computer). I could just delete the requisite *.dlls from C:\Windows\System32, folders from the Start Menu, and then delete every registry entry that refers to divx (there are about 2 dozen, as far as I can tell), but that could be an extremely risky proposition. Any better ideas?
2) Once I get the divx codec removed, I need to get a TiVo compatible mpeg-2 codec installed and working with WMP. Any hints on how to get WMP to use the correct codec when I open a *.tivo file?

b1rdd0g
June 5th, 2005, 09:23 PM
Well, I have this progress to report. With the help of the sherlock.exe utility I was able to identify a couple of broken codecs. I backed up my registry and then went through it "slash & burn" style deleting every mention of those codecs. Finally, I downloaded a free codec from http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Stinkys-MPEG-Codec-Download-5661.html and got the recordings to play back successfully, albeit with a slightly imperfect aspect ratio. I have downloaded some different (and also free) codecs to try this afternoon from: http://home.hccnet.nl/h.edskes/mirror.htm I'll post again after I see what I get with those.

b1rdd0g
June 5th, 2005, 11:07 PM
Well, I am going to declare victory! The first link gave me a MPEG-2 codec that works and the latter codec pack contains a very useful tool (GSpot) for listing the codecs that are available (and registered with my OS) for use for a given file--very nice! Now I can finally clear all the Carol Duval craft shows off my TiVo DVR to make room for some entertainment! :-p