--- faq.html Sat Apr 6 13:53:05 2002 +++ faq-diego.html Tue Apr 16 00:24:25 2002 @@ -16,42 +16,45 @@ - @@ -160,29 +166,31 @@ During 'make', MPlayer complains about X11 libraries. I don't understand, I DO have X installed!? @@ -230,164 +239,166 @@ @@ -572,19 +590,19 @@ @@ -596,13 +614,15 @@ Serial number of failed request: 26
Current serial number in output stream:27
+What card do you suggest me to buy?

5.1 Compilation

Q: -configure ends with this text, and MPlayer won't compile !
-Your gcc does not support even i386 for '-march' and '-mcpu'. +Configure ends with this text, and MPlayer won't compile!
+"Your gcc does not support even i386 for '-march' and '-mcpu'."

A: -Your gcc isn't installed correctly, check config.log file +Your gcc isn't installed correctly, check the config.log file for details.

Q: -What does "No such file or directory" means ? +What does "No such file or directory" mean?

A: Probably there is no such file or directory.

Q: -What's the problem with gcc 2.96 ? +What's the problem with gcc 2.96?

A: -To be short: DO NOT USE gcc 2.96 !!!
-Check this and this texts! -If you still really really want to do so, be sure to use the latest release. +We strongly discourage the use of gcc 2.96!!!
+Read this and this +document for details. If you still really really want to use it, be sure to get +the latest release, but remember that you are on your own. Do not report +bugs or ask for help on the mailing lists. We will not provide any support +in case you run into problems.

Q: -Great, I have gcc 3.0.1 from RedHat/Mandrake, then I'm fine--! +Great, I have gcc 3.0.1 from Red Hat/Mandrake, then I'm fine--!

A: -No, since there have been/are issues with those compilers.
-Use 2.95.x series for reliability (not 2.96). +No, since there have been/are issues with these compilers as well.
+Use the 2.95.x series for reliability (not 2.96). Use the latest gcc 3.0.x (starting at 3.0.2) if you want to use a 3.0.x version.

-I tried to compile MPlayer, but I got this output:
+I tried to compile MPlayer, but I got this output:
In file included from /usr/include/g++-v3/bits/std_cwchar.h:42, from /usr/include/g++-v3/bits/fpos.h:40, @@ -67,21 +70,22 @@ `const

A: -Upgrade your glibc to the newest. On Mandrake, use 2.2.4-8mdk . +Upgrade your glibc to the latest release. On Mandrake, use 2.2.4-8mdk.

Q: -...gcc 2.96... (yes, some people are STILL flaming about their gcc 2.96!!) +... gcc 2.96 ... (Yes, some people are STILL flaming about their gcc 2.96!!)

But we has idegs (the word 'ideg' is described further in the FAQ). And our -idegcounters overflow again and again.

+Quoted from a mail A'rpi sent to the mplayer-users list (the word 'ideg' is described below): +

+
And we have idegs. And our idegcounter overflowed again and again.

Unfortunately MPlayer is out of our control. It's used by lamers, Linux users -who can't even use windows, and never tried to compile a kernel. They installed -(with default options) Mandrake or RedHat or Suse, and without RTFM'ing they -send messages saying 'it doesn't work! help me! please! i'm new to the linux! -help! oh! help me!'. We can't stop them, but at least we try to force them RTFM -and to read messages of ./configure and mplayer.
+who can't even use Windows, and never tried to compile a kernel. They installed +(with default options) Mandrake or Red Hat or SuSE, and without RTFM'ing they +send messages saying 'it doesn't work! help me! please! i'm new to Linux! +help! oh! help me!'. We can't stop them, but at least we try to force them to +RTFM and to read messages of ./configure and MPlayer.

And you clever guys come and flame us with gcc 2.96 and binary packages. Instead of helping users or making patches to help solve problems.
@@ -89,69 +93,71 @@
Half of our spare/free time is spent by answering silly mails here and making newer tricks and checks to configure to avoid such mails.
-
And there is a balance. On one hand are you, clever guys, saying we are very -bad because we don't like buggy gcc 2.96, and at the other hand there are the -'new to linux' guys who are showing us gcc 2.96 is buggy.
+
And there is a balance. On the one side are you, clever guys, saying we are +very bad because we don't like buggy gcc 2.96, and on the other side there are +the 'new to Linux' guys who are showing us gcc 2.96 is buggy.
-
Conclusion: we can't be good. Half of people always will say we are bad.
+
Conclusion: We can't be good. Half the people always will say we are bad.

Maybe we should close the project, make it closed source, commercial, and provide install support for it. then we could leave current work, so -development could go faster, and we earn lots of money with it and buy a big -house, etc etc. Do you really want it? It seems.
+development could go faster, and we could earn lots of money with it and buy a +big house, etc etc. Do you really want it? It seems.
+

Arpi (a mail on the mplayer-users list)

Q: -Where can I find information about gcc 2.96 bugs ? +Where can I find information about gcc 2.96 bugs?

A: -In this documentation. And this -documentation describes why RedHat released 2.96 and other interesting things. +In this document. And this +document describes why Red Hat released 2.96 and other interesting things.

Q: -SDL output doesn't work or compile. Problem is .... +SDL output doesn't work or compile. The problem is ...

A: -It is tested with newest SDL (probably runs on 1.1.7+). -It does NOT work with any previous version, so don't ask. +It was tested to work with SDL 1.2.x and may run on SDL 1.1.7+. +It does not work with any previous version. So if you choose to use such +a version, you are on your own.

Q: I am still having trouble compiling with SDL support. gcc says something -about "undefined reference to `SDL_EnableKeyRepeat'" What's now? +about "undefined reference to `SDL_EnableKeyRepeat'". What now?

A: Where did you install the SDL library? If you installed in /usr/local (the default) then edit the top level config.mak and add -"-L/usr/local/lib " after "X_LIBS=" Now type make. You're done! +"-L/usr/local/lib" after "X_LIBS=". Now type make. You're done!

Q: -It doesn't compile, and it misses uint64_t inttypes.h and similar things... +It doesn't compile, and it misses uint64_t inttypes.h and similar things ...

A: -copy etc/inttypes.h to MPlayer directory (cp etc/inttypes.h .) -try again... +Copy etc/inttypes.h to the MPlayer directory (cp etc/inttypes.h .) +and try again ...

Q: -I have Pentium III but ./configure doesn't detect SSE +I have Linux running on a Pentium III but ./configure doesn't detect +SSE ...

A: -Only kernel versions 2.4.x supports SSE (or try latest 2.2.19 or newer, but -be prepared for problems) +Only kernel versions 2.4.x support SSE (or try 2.2.19 or newer, but +be prepared for problems).

Q: -I have G200/G400, how to compile/use mga_vid driver? +I have a G200/G400, how do I compile/use the mga_vid driver?

A: -Read all this documentation. +Read the documentation.

Q: Are there rpm/deb/... packages of MPlayer?

A: -You can make a .deb package for yourself, check section 6.1. -It's _STRONGLY_ discouraged to use precompiled packages -of MPlayer, since it (currently) _highly_ depends on compile-time +You can make a .deb package for yourself, check the Debian packaging section. +It's strongly discouraged to use precompiled packages +of MPlayer, since it (currently) highly depends on compile-time options and optimizations! Precompiled packages are COMPLETELY unsupported by the MPlayer team!

A: -...but you don't have the X development package installed. Or not -correctly. It's called XFree86-devel* under RedHat, and xlib6g-dev* under -Debian. Also check if the /usr/X11 symlink exists (this can be a problem on -Mandrake systems). It can be created with the
+... but you don't have the X development package installed. Or not +correctly. It's called XFree86-devel* under Red Hat, and xlib6g-dev* under +Debian. Also check if the /usr/X11 and /usr/include/X11 +symlinks exist (this can be a problem on Mandrake systems). They can be created +with these commands:
$ ln -sf /usr/X11R6 /usr/X11
- command. Also check the /usr/include/X11 link :
$ ln -sf /usr/X11R6/include/X11 /usr/include/X11
-Your distribution may differ from the Linux Filesystem Standard. +Your distribution may differ from the +Filesystem Hierarchy Standard.

Q: -What about DGA driver? I can't find it!!! +What about the DGA driver? I can't find it!!!

A: -./configure autodetects your DGA driver. If -vo help doesn't show +./configure autodetects your DGA driver. If -vo help doesn't show DGA, then there's a problem with your X installation. -Try ./configure --enable-dga (and RTFM) -Alternatively, try SDL's DGA driver with '-vo sdl:dga' options. +Try ./configure --enable-dga and read the +documentation. +Alternatively, try SDL's DGA driver with the -vo sdl:dga option.

Q: -I can't compile SVGAlib.. I'm using 2.3/2.4 kernel. +I can't compile SVGAlib. I'm using kernel 2.3/2.4 ...

A: -You have to edit SVGAlib's Makefile.cfg and comment "BACKGROUND = y" out. +You have to edit SVGAlib's Makefile.cfg and comment BACKGROUND = y out.

Q: @@ -190,37 +198,38 @@ I try to start it, it says:
> error while loading shared libraries: lib*.so.0: cannot load shared object file: No such file or directory
-I checked up on the file and it IS there in /usr/local/lib. +I checked up on the file and it IS there in /usr/local/lib ...

A: -Add /usr/local/lib to /etc/ld.so.conf and run ldconfig . +Add /usr/local/lib to /etc/ld.so.conf and run ldconfig.

Q: -MPlayer doesn't seem to find my libcss. What am I doing wrong ? +MPlayer doesn't seem to find my libcss. What am I doing wrong?

A: It's normal. MPlayer no longer depends on libcss to play a DVD. You -have to install libdvdread and libdvdcss. Check for DVD Playback -part here. libcss is to be used for example when you -want to play encrypted VOB files from hard disk (not for general users). +have to install libdvdread and libdvdcss. DVD playback is +described here. libcss is to be used, for example, to +play encrypted VOB files from hard disk (not for general usage).

Q: Hmm, strange. When loading the mga_vid.o kernel module, I found this in the logs:
Warning: loading mga_vid.o will taint the kernel: no license

A: -The latest kernels modules needs require a flag indicating its license (mainly -to avoid kernel hackers' debugging closed sources drivers). -Upgrade your kernel and your modutils and MPlayer. +The latest kernel modutils require a flag indicating the license (mainly +to avoid kernel hackers debugging closed source drivers). +Upgrade your kernel, modutils and MPlayer.

Q: -When compiling MEncoder, it segfaults at linking !!! +When compiling MEncoder, it segfaults at linking!!!

A: -Dunno, upgrading binutils should help (2.11.92.* or newer should be good). Not our fault, do NOT report! +This is a linker problem. Upgrading binutils should help (2.11.92.* or newer +should be good). Since it is not our fault, please do not report!

Q: -I'd like to compile MPlayer on Minix ! +I'd like to compile MPlayer on Minix!

A: Me too. :)

Q: -What about DVD playing ? +What about DVD playing?

A: -Read the CD/DVD section in this page. +Read the CD/DVD section in this document.

Q: --xy or -fs option doesn't work with x11 driver (-vo x11) +The -xy or -fs option doesn't work with the x11 driver (-vo x11) ...

A: It does, but you have to explicitly specify software scaling (it's SLOW!) with the -zoom option. You better use XF86VidMode support: -you must specify the -vm and the -fs switch, and you're done. -Make sure you have the right Modelines in your XF86Config file, and -try if the DGA driver (and SDL's DGA driver, see RTFM) works for you. -It's much faster. If SDL's DGA works too, use that, it'll be EVEN faster! +you must specify the -vm and the -fs switch, and +you're done. Make sure you have the right modelines in your XF86Config file, and +try to make the DGA driver and +SDL's DGA driver work for you. +It's much faster. If SDL's DGA works, use that, it'll be EVEN faster!

Q: -What is the meaning of numbers in the status line? +What is the meaning of the numbers on the status line?

-See: A: 2.1 V: 2.2 A-V: -0.167 ct: 0.042 57 41% 0% 2.6% 0 4 49%
+Example: A: 2.1 V: 2.2 A-V: -0.167 ct: 0.042 57 41% 0% 2.6% 0 4 49%

A: audio position in seconds +
A: audio position in seconds
V: video position in seconds
A-V: audio-video difference in seconds (delay)
ct: total A-V sync correction done
frames played (counting from last seek) -
video codec cpu usage in percent (for mpeg it includes video_out too!) -
video_out cpu usage for avi, 0 for mpg (see above) +
video codec cpu usage in percent (for mpeg this includes video_out) +
video_out cpu usage for AVI, 0 for MPG (see above)
audio codec cpu usage in percent
frames needed to drop to maintain A-V sync -
current level of image postprocessing (when using -autoq) -
current cache size used (normal is ~50%) +
current level of image postprocessing (when using -autoq) +
current cache size used (around 50% is normal)

-Most of them are for debug purposes, and will be removed soon. +Most of them are for debug purposes and will be removed soon.

Q: What if I don't want them to appear?

A: -Then you use the -quiet option, and read the manpage. +Use the -quiet option and read the man page.

Q: Why is video_out cpu usage zero (0%) for mpeg files?

A: -It's not zero, but it's built in into codec, so can't be measured separated. -You should try to play the file using -vo null and then -vo ... and check -the difference to see video_out speed... +It's not zero, but it's built into the codec and thus cannot be measured +separately. You should try to play the file using -vo null and then +-vo ... and check the difference to see the video_out speed.

Q: -What's XMMP? (is it XMMS or XMPS but mispelled?) +What's XMMP? (Is it XMMS or XMPS misspelled?)

A: -It's a new project, see http://frozenproductions.com for details +It's a new project, see Frozen Productions for details.

Q: -There are error messages about file not found /usr/lib/win32/.... +There are error messages about file not found /usr/lib/win32/ ...

A: -Download w32codec-0.60.tar.bz2 -from *our* FTP (avifile's codec package has different DLL set). -Install it. +Download the Win32 codecs +from our FTP site (avifile's codec package has a different DLL set) and +install it.

Q: Are there any mailing lists on MPlayer?

A: -Yes! See RTFM on how to subscribe them! +Yes! See the bottom of the info page on +our homepage to subscribe!

Q: -I've found a nasty bug when I tried to play my favourite video!! +I've found a nasty bug when I tried to play my favorite video!! Who should I inform?

A: -See Appendix C. +Please read the bug reporting guidelines and follow +the instructions.

Q: -I have problems playing files with ... codec. Can I use'em? +I have problems playing files with the ... codec. Can I use them?

A: -Check http://www.mplayerhq.hu/DOCS/codecs-status.html, -if it doesn't contain your codec, read -section 2.1.3, and contact us. +Check the codec status, +if it doesn't contain your codec, read the +codec documentation, especially the +codec importing HOWTO and contact us.

Q: Umm, what is "IdegCounter"?

A: -A mixture of a hungarian and an english word. In english, "Ideg" means -"nerve", and is pronounced as something like "ydaegh" . It was first used -to measure the nervousness of A'rpi, after some (umm) "mystic" disappearance -of CVS code ;) +A combination of a Hungarian and an English word. "Ideg" in Hungarian means +the same as "nerve" in English, and is pronounced as something like "ydaegh". +It was first used to measure the nervousness of A'rpi, after some (umm) "mystic" +disappearance of CVS code ;)

Q: -And what is "Faszom(C)ounter" ? +And what is "Faszom(C)ounter"?

A: -"Fasz" is a hungarian word you don't want to know, the others are in -connection with the pervert minds of the MPlayer developers. +"Fasz" is a Hungarian word you don't want to know, the others are connected to +the perverted minds of the MPlayer developers.

Q: LIRC doesn't work, because ...

A: -Are you sure you use "mplayer_lirc" instead of "mplayer"? +Are you sure you are using mplayer_lirc instead of mplayer?

Q: Subtitles are very nice, the most beautiful I've ever seen, but they slow -down the playing! I know it's unlikely... +down playing! I know it's unlikely ...

A: -After running ./configure , edit config.h and replace #undef FAST_OSD with -#define FAST_OSD. Then recompile. +After running ./configure , edit config.h and replace +#undef FAST_OSD with #define FAST_OSD. Then recompile.

Q: The OSD is flickering!

A: You use a vo driver with single buffering (x11,xv). With xv, -use -double option. +use the -double option.

Q: -What exactly is this libavcodec? +What exactly is this libavcodec thing?

A: -See the 2.1.2.2 section. +See the FFmpeg section.

Q: But configure tells me "Checking for libavcodec ... no"!

A: You need to get libavcodec from FFmpeg's CVS. Read the instructions in -the ffmpeg section. +the FFmpeg section.

Q: -The GUI isn't usable with icewm, because some panel are over the movie!! +The GUI isn't usable with icewm, because a panel is over the movie!!

A: -Known, icewm is dictatoric. Unsolvable. In detail: -its taskbar overrides GUI's window resize queries. If it asks for -resize to 800x600, then it resizes window to 800x(600-taskbar_size). It's bad. -Very bad. +Known problem with icewm. It is unsolvable from our side. In detail: +Icewm's taskbar overrides the GUI's window resize queries. If asked for a +resize to 800x600, icewm resizes the window to 800x(600-taskbar_size).

Q: I can't access the GUI menu. I press right click, but I can't access any -menu items ! +menu items!

A: -Are you using FVWM ? Try the following :
+Are you using FVWM? Try the following:
Start -> Settings -> Configuration -> Base Configuration
-
-Set "Use Applications position hints" to Yes. +Set "Use Applications position hints" to "Yes".

Q: -How can I run MPlayer in the background ? +How can I run MPlayer in the background?

A: -Use : mplayer <options> <filename> < /dev/null & +Use: mplayer <options> <filename> < /dev/null &

@@ -395,69 +406,70 @@

Q: -...... works with avifile/aviplay while doesn't with MPlayer. +... works with avifile/aviplay but doesn't with MPlayer.

A: -MPlayer != avifile +MPlayer != avifile. The only common thing between these players is the Win32 DLL loader. -The codecs (dll) sets, syncronization, demultiplexing etc is totaly +The codecs (DLL) set, synchronization, demultiplexing etc is totally different and shouldn't be compared. -If something works with aviplay it doesn't mean that MPlayer should do -it and vice versa. +If something works with aviplay it doesn't mean that MPlayer will work +and vice versa.

Q: -Audio goes out of sync playing .avi file. +Audio goes out of sync playing a .avi file.

A: -Try with -bps or -nobps option -if still bad, send me (upload to ftp) that file, I'll check. +Try the -bps or -nobps option. If it does not improve, +read this and upload the file to FTP.

Q: Indeo 3.x/4.x movies are viewed upside-down!!!?

A: -It's a known bug (really it's a bug/limitation of the DLL codec) -Try if your vo driver supports the -flip switch. +It's a known bug/limitation of the DLL codec. +The -flip switch may help if your vo driver supports it.

Q: -Indeo 3.x,4.x video doesn't work at 32bpp resolutions (16,24 bpp are ok). +Indeo 3.x,4.x video doesn't work at 32bpp resolutions (16,24 bpp are OK).

A: -It's a known bug (really it's a bug/limitation of the DLL codec). +It's a known bug/limitation of the DLL codec.

Q: -MPlayer exits with something error when using l3codeca.acm. +MPlayer exits with some error when using l3codeca.acm.

A: -Check 'ldd /usr/local/bin/mplayer' output. If it contains
+Check ldd /usr/local/bin/mplayer output. If it contains
libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x4???????)
-where "?" is any number then it's ok, the error is not here. If it is:
+where "?" is any number then it's OK, the error is not here. If it is:
libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00??????)
-then there is problem with your kernel/libc. Maybe you are using some +then there is a problem with your kernel/libc. Maybe you are using some security patches (for example Solar Designer's OpenWall patch) which forces loading libraries to very low addresses. Because l3codeca.acm is a non-relocatable DLL, it must be loaded to -0x00400000, we can't change this. You should use non-patched kernel, -or use MPlayer's -afm 1 option to disable using l3codeca.acm. +0x00400000, we can't change this. You should use a non-patched kernel, +or use MPlayer's -afm 1 option to disable using l3codeca.acm.

Q: My computer plays M$ DivX AVIs with resolutions ~ 640x300 and stereo mp3 -sound too slow. When I use -nosound switch, everything is ok (but quiet). +sound too slow. When I use -nosound switch, everything is OK (but quiet).

A: -Ok son, your machine is too slow. RTFM or anything. +Your machine is too slow. Consult the documentation to see if you can improve +performance.

Q: MPlayer dies with "MPlayer interrupted by signal 4 in module: decode_video".

A: Try running MPlayer on the machine you compiled on. Or recompile. Don't -use MPlayer on different CPU than it was compiled on. +use MPlayer on a CPU different from the one it was compiled on.

Q: -I have problems with [your window manager] and fullscreen xv/xmga/sdl/x11 modes.. +I have problems with [your window manager] and fullscreen xv/xmga/sdl/x11 modes ...

A: -Use the -fsmode switch. See example.conf or manpage. +Use the -fsmode switch. See example.conf or the man page.

Q: @@ -469,100 +481,106 @@ Q: Then avifile is better!

A: -Then use avifile, it has nice GUI and nice C++ code :) +Then use avifile, it has a nice GUI and nice C++ code :)

Q: I got this playing mpeg files: Can't find codec for video format 0x10000001!

A: -You have old version of codecs.conf at ~/.mplayer/. Upgrade it from etc/
-OR you have the vc= option or similar, in your +You have an old version of codecs.conf at ~/.mplayer/. Upgrade it +from /etc/.
+OR you have the vc= option or something similar in your config file(s).

Q: -After starting mplayer under KDE(1/2) I just get a black screen and nothing +After starting MPlayer under KDE(1/2) I just get a black screen and nothing happens, after about one minute the video starts playing.

A: The KDE arts sound daemon is blocking the sound device, either wait the time -until video starts or you disable the arts-daemon in kontrollcenter. -If you want to use arts sound, specify audio output via SDL (ao=sdl), and +until video starts or you disable the arts-daemon in kontrol center. If you want +to use arts sound, specify audio output via SDL (ao=sdl), and make sure your SDL can handle arts sound. Yet another option is to start -mplayer with artsdsp. +MPlayer with artsdsp.

Q: -I have an AVI that plays with grey screen with -vc odivx, and green with -vc divx4 . +I have an AVI that produces a gray screen when played with -vc odivx +and a green one with -vc divx4.

A: It's not a DivX file, but an M$ MPEG4v3 . Update your codecs.conf.

Q: -There this movie is, and when I play it I get video-audio desync and/or MPlayer crashes with the following:
+When I play this movie I get video-audio desync and/or MPlayer crashes with the following message:
DEMUXER: Too many (945 in 8390980 bytes) video packets in the buffer!

This can have multiple reasons.
-

your CPU and/or video card and/or bus is too SLOW. MPlayer - displays a message if this is the case. (and the dropped frames counter is going up fast)

if it is an AVI, maybe it has bad interleaving. Try the -ni option.

your sound driver is buggy, or you use ALSA 0.5 with -ao oss. See the soundcards section.

the AVI has bad header, try with the -nobps option, and/or -mc 0 .

Your CPU and/or video card and/or bus is too SLOW. MPlayer + displays a message if this is the case (and the dropped frames counter goes up fast).
If it is an AVI, maybe it has bad interleaving. Try the -ni option.
Your sound driver is buggy, or you use ALSA 0.5 with -ao oss. + See the sound card section.
The AVI has a bad header, try the -nobps option, and/or + -mc 0.

Q: -I have an MJPEG file which works with other players but displays only black +I have an MJPEG file which works with other players but displays only a black image in MPlayer.

A: -Disable the Windows DLL in codecs.conf, or use -vc ffmjpeg option (you have to -compile MPlayer with libavcodec). +Disable the Windows DLL in codecs.conf, or use the +-vc ffmjpeg option (compile MPlayer with libavcodec for this to work).

Q: -When I try to grab from my tuner, it works, but colors are strange. It's ok +When I try to grab from my tuner, it works, but colors are strange. It's OK with other applications.

A: Your card probably misreports its colorspace capacity. Try with YUY2 instead -of default YV12 (see TV input documentation). +of default YV12 (see the TV input documentation).

Q: -When I try to start playing, I get this message, but playing is good :
+When I start playing, I get this message but everything seems fine:
Linux RTC init: ioctl (rtc_pie_on): Permission denied

A: -See the Installation section. The part -about new sync code. +You need root privileges to use the new timing code. For details see the +installation section of the documentation.

Q: I have A/V sync problems. Some of my AVIs play fine, but some play with -double speed ! +double speed!

A: -You have buggy soundcard/driver. Most likely it's fixed at 44100Hz, and +You have a buggy sound card/driver. Most likely it's fixed at 44100Hz, and you try to play a file which has 22050Hz audio. Try the -ao sdl driver.

Q: -All the WMV (or other..) files I play gives green/gray window and there is -only sound! It prints:
+All the WMV (or other..) files I play create a green/gray window and there is +only sound! MPlayer prints:
Detected video codec: [null] drv:0 (NULL codec (no decoding))

A: -Update your codecs.conf +Update your codecs.conf.

Q: -I get very strange percent numbers (way too big) while playing files on my notebook ? +I get very strange percentage values (way too big) while playing files on my notebook.

A: It's an effect of the power management / power saving system of your notebook -(bios, not kernel). Plug the externel power connecter in before you power on your +(BIOS, not kernel). Plug the external power connector in before you power on your notebook.

Q: -The audio/video get's totaly out of sync when i run MPlayer as root. It works normal -when i run it as a user. +The audio/video gets totally out of sync when I run MPlayer as root on my notebook. +It works normal when i run it as a user.

A: -This is again a power managment effect (see above). Plug the externel power connecter +This is again a power management effect (see above). Plug the external power connector in before you power on your notebook.

Q: -Ok, -vo help shows DGA driver, but it is babbling about permissions! +OK, -vo help shows DGA driver, but it complains about permissions! Help me!

A: It works only if running as root! It's a DGA limitation. -You should become to root (su -), and try again. -Another solution is making mplayer SUID root, but its NOT RECOMMENDED!
+You should become root (su -), and try again. +Another solution is making MPlayer SUID root, but it's NOT RECOMMENDED!
chown root /usr/local/bin/mplayer
- chmod 750 /usr/local/bin/mplayer
+ chmod 755 /usr/local/bin/mplayer
chmod +s /usr/local/bin/mplayer
!!!! BUT STAY TUNED !!!!
This is a *BIG* security risk! *NEVER* do this on a server or on a computer -can be accessed by more people than only you because they can gain root -privilegies through suid root mplayer!!!
+that you do not control completely because other users can gain root +privileges through SUID root MPlayer!!!
!!!! SO YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED ... !!!!

A: -Your driver is old, update it. Either download (at least) DRI version 0.6 -from http://dri.sourceforge.net, -or use the DRI cvs. +The "tdfx" driver in XFree86 4.0.2/4.0.3 had this bug. This was solved by +bugfix #621 of the XFree86 4.1.0 CVS log. +So upgrade to XFree86 4.1.0 or later. Alternatively, either download (at least) +DRI version 0.6 from the DRI homepage, +or use CVS DRI.

Q: -When using Xvideo, I can't play DivX avis with my Voodoo 3/Banshee! +When using Xvideo, I can't play DivX AVIs with my Voodoo 3/Banshee! It says:
...
Xvideo image format: 0x32315659 (YV12) planar @@ -611,55 +631,55 @@

A1: See the previous answer.

A2: -Since 0.18pre4 we support libavcodec from the ffmpeg package. It contains +Since 0.18pre4 we support libavcodec from the FFmpeg package. It contains a C language DivX and OpenDivX decoder. The DivX decoder uses YV12 format for output, thus it should work for you. Compile in libavcodec support.

Q: -OpenGL (-vo gl) output doesn't work (hangup/black window/X11 errors/...). +OpenGL (-vo gl) output doesn't work (hang/black window/X11 errors/...).

A: -Your opengl driver doesn't support dynamic texture changes (glTexSubImage) +Your OpenGL driver doesn't support dynamic texture changes (glTexSubImage). It's known not to work with nVidia's binary mess. -It's known to work with Utah-GLX/DRI and Matrox G400 card. Also with -DRI and Radeon card. It won't work with DRI others than these. -it will not work with 3DFX cards because the 256x256 texture size limit. +It's known to work with Utah-GLX/DRI and Matrox G400 cards. Also with +DRI and Radeon cards. It won't work with DRI and other cards. +it will not work with 3DFX cards because of the 256x256 texture size limit.

Q: -I have an nVidia TNT/TNT2 card, and I have a band with strange colours, +I have an nVidia TNT/TNT2 card, and I have a band with strange colors, right under the movie! Whose fault is this?

A: -It's the nVidia X driver's. These bugs are ONLY with the TNT/TNT2 cards, -and we can't do anything about it, it's not our bug. UPDATE : it's fixed -in newest drivers, at last.. +This is a bug of nVidia's binary X driver. These bugs appear ONLY with the +TNT/TNT2 cards, and we can't do anything about it. To fix the problem, upgrade +to the latest nVidia binary driver version.

Q: -I have an nVidia XYZ card, and when I click on the GUI's diplay window to toggle +I have an nVidia XYZ card, and when I click on the GUI's display window to toggle displaying the GUI panel, a black square appears where I clicked. I have the newest driver.

A: -Yes, nvidia corrected a previous bug (above), and implemented a new one. Let's -congratule them. UPDATE : according to -NVidia, this is already -corrected. +Yes, nVidia corrected a previous bug (above), and introduced a new one. Let's +congratulate them. UPDATE: According to +nVidia, this has already been +fixed.

Q: When I use the GUI with SDL video output, a second video window is created.

A: -Known, don't use SDL for GUI yet. +Known, don't use SDL for the GUI yet.

Q: -Oh the world is cruel..! SDL has only x11 target, but not +Oh the world is cruel ...! SDL has only x11 target, but not xv!

A: Try that x11 target again. Now try -vo x11 -fs -zoom. -See the difference? No?! Ok, here comes the enlightenment: SDL's +See the difference? No?! OK, here comes the enlightenment: SDL's x11 target uses xv when available, you don't have to worry about -it... +it ...

@@ -676,95 +696,82 @@

Q: -When will be <your favourite video feature> (like subtitle placement) implemented? +When will be <your favorite video feature> (like subtitle placement) implemented?

A: Wait for libvo2.

Q: -I'd like to seek +/- 1 frames, instead of 10 seconds. +I'd like to seek +/- 1 frames instead of 10 seconds.

A: This won't be done. It was, but then it messed up A/V sync. Feel free to implement it, and send a patch. Don't ask for it.

Q: - Where is the Windows version ? + Where is the Windows version?

A: - It's not released, and won't be. Look around the windows scene (opensource - ASF parsers, opensource ASF encoders, etc) and you'll know why. We don't + It's not released, and won't be. Look around the Windows scene (open source + ASF parsers, open source ASF encoders, etc) and you'll know why. We don't want to go to jail.

Q: -What card you may suggest me to buy?

A0: -It's for your opinion only but our issues are: -

A1: -Speed: -
This -parameter can be computed very easy: -
a) -which movies do you plan to watch: -
- -MPEG1: 320x200@32=256000 -
so -you need only 256*25fps=6.4Mb/sec bandwidth (This format can be played -in real-time on any PC since P-100 + S3Virge) -
- -MPEG4: 640x480@32=1228800 -
you -need videobandwidth 1.2*25fps=30Mb/sec To watch such movie in real-time -you need enough power PC: (Celeron-450+DIMM based video card) -
- -MPEG2 (aka DVD or SDTV): 1024x768@32=3145728 -
you -need videobandwidth 3*30fps=90Mb/sec In extremal cases (if your video card -supports IDCT decoding) this can be played on the same PC as for MPEG4 -
- -HDTV (HighData TeleVision): 2000x2000@32=16000000 -
i.e. -videobandwidth = 16*30fps=480Mb/sec (This means also that you need at least -32Mb of video memory to watch this stream: 16Mb for RGB area and 16Mb for -YUV area) -
b) -Bandwidth of PCI slot is: 33Mhz*32bit=132Mb/sec And PCI2.1 has 66MHz*32bit=265Mb/sec -that is far enough for any movie playback (except HDTV streams which really -require AGP bus). -
c) -What memory type should be installed on video card: -
SIMM -- avoid that -
DIMM -- good if your video card has 128-bit memory access. -
DDR -- is far enough for all types. -
Note: -By DGA comparision - there is no any visible difference between video cards -which have installed the same type of video memory. -
Resume: -If you have enough power CPU (Celeron-450 or K6-2-500) it would be enough -to buy any video card which has at least 8Mb of DIMM or DDR memory. -

A2: -Quality: -
This -question was investigated in depth at: -
http://www.anadtech.com -AnandTech - Video Card Roundup - DVD Quality, Features & Performance +It's for your information only but our criteria are: +

A1:

+Speed:
+This parameter can be computed easily: +

Which movies do you plan to watch?

MPEG1: 320x200@32=256000
+ You need only 256*25fps=6.4MB/sec of bandwidth (This format can be played + in real-time on any PC since the times of Pentium-100 + S3Virge).
MPEG4: 640x480@32=1228800
+ You need a video bandwidth of 1.2*25fps=30MB/sec. To watch such a movie + in real-time you need a PC equivalent to a Celeron-450 and a DIMM based + video card.
MPEG2 (aka DVD or SDTV): 1024x768@32=3145728
+ You need a video bandwidth of 3*30fps=90MB/sec. In extreme cases (if your + video card supports IDCT decoding) the hardware requirements are the same + as for MPEG4.
HDTV (High Definition TeleVision): 2000x2000@32=16000000
+ You need a video bandwidth of 16*30fps=480MB/sec. You also need at least + 32MB of video memory to watch this stream: 16MB for the RGB area and 16MB + for the YUV area.

The bandwidth of PCI slots is: 33MHz*32Bit=133MB/sec. PCI2.1 has + 66MHz*32Bit=266MB/sec which is more than enough for playing any movie (except + HDTV streams which really require an AGP bus).
What memory type should be installed on the video card: +
- SIMM - Avoid that.
- DIMM - Good if your video card has 128-bit memory access.
- DDR - Is fast enough for all types.
+

+Note: DGA comparison shows that there is no visible difference between video +cards which have the same type of video memory installed.
+Conclusion: If you have enough CPU power (Celeron-450 or K6-2-500) it +should be enough to buy any video card which has at least 8MB of DIMM or DDR +memory. +

A2: +Quality:
+This question was investigated in depth at: +
+AnandTech - Video Card Roundup - DVD Quality, Features & Performance (October 2000) -

A3:

-WORKING features under Linux: -
If -you are win32 user then probably you have support (from driver and DirectX8 -side) for any feature which was introduced in your chip. -
But -for linux users: -
Currently -I know only several vendors which have more or less advanced support under -Linux: -
- + +No, VFAT doesn't support 2GB+ files. +

A3:

+Working features under Linux:
+If you are a Win32 user then probably you have support (from driver and DirectX8 +side) for any feature your chip has.
+But for Linux users there are currently only a few vendors which have more +or less advanced driver support:

+ + @@ -777,11 +784,11 @@ @@ -800,13 +807,13 @@ - + - + - + - + @@ -862,7 +869,7 @@ - + @@ -872,9 +879,9 @@ - + - + @@ -886,7 +893,7 @@ - + @@ -906,28 +913,21 @@

	-NVidia +nVidia	-S4 Savage +S3 Savage
Driver's quality	Best(X11,kernel)	best (X11,kernel)	Best(X11,GATOS,kernel)	best (X11,GATOS,kernel)	Buggy(X11 only)	buggy (X11 only)	Best(X11 only)	best (X11 only)
N/A	PARTLY (under devel)	PARTIAL (under development)	N/A
Alpha blending, color and video keys	PARTLY	PARTIAL	PARTLY (under devel)	PARTIAL (under development)	N/A	N/A	YES(GATOS)	YES (GATOS)	N/A

Well -- it's very rude observing of video card. Indeed we should pay our attention -for models of video card: -
For -example if MatroxG400 drivers support TV-out then G450 and G550 has no such -support. -
Other -sample: Adaptive deinterlacing exists only since Rage128 chip and isn't -present on Mach64+ ones. Same as 3D features are far different from Mach64 -to Radeon2 8500 with trueform possibilities. -

ANYWAY -- MPLAYER'S TEAM DOESN'T ACCEPT ANY CLAIMS IF YOU AFTER -
READING -OF THIS MATERIAL WILL BUY CARD WHICH IS UNSUCCESSFUL FOR YOU!!! -
THIS -MATERIAL IS ONLY OUR VISION. -

Q: -If PCI slot is far enough for most types of movies then why S3 Virge -
is -too slow for them? -
A: -Due to its SIMM memory. +

It's a very rough overview of video cards. We should pay attention to video +card models. If for example Matrox G400 drivers support TV-out then G450 and +G550 do not necessarily have this feature.
+Another example: Adaptive deinterlacing exists only for the Rage128 chip and +isn't present on Mach64+ ones. The same goes for 3D features. They are different +from Mach64 to the Radeon 8500 with TRUFORM technology.

+ +

ANYWAY - THE MPLAYER TEAM DOESN'T ACCEPT ANY CLAIMS IF AFTER READING THIS +MATERIAL YOU BUY A CARD WHICH IS UNSATISFACTORY FOR YOU!!! THIS IS ONLY OUR +POINT OF VIEW.

+ +

Q: If a PCI slot is fast enough for most types of movies then why is +the S3 Virge too slow for them?
+A: Due to its SIMM memory.

@@ -935,42 +935,42 @@

Q: -How can I encode ? +How can I encode?

A: -Check this documentation. +Read the MEncoder documentation.

Q: -My tuner works, with MPlayer I can hear the sound and watch the video, but -MEncoder doesn't encode audio ! +My tuner works, I can hear the sound and watch the video with MPlayer, but +MEncoder doesn't encode audio!

A: TV audio encoding for Linux is currently unimplemented, we're working on it. -Currently it's working only on BSD. +At the moment it works only on BSD.

Q: -I can't encode DVD subtitles into the AVI ! +I can't encode DVD subtitles into the AVI!

A: You have to specify the -sid option correctly!

Q: -MEncoder segfaults on start ! +MEncoder segfaults on startup!

A: Upgrade DivX4Linux.

Q: -How can I encode only selected chapters from DVD ? +How can I encode only selected chapters from a DVD?

A: -Use the -chapter option correctly, like : -chapter 5-7 +Use the -chapter option correctly, like: -chapter 5-7

Q: -I'm trying to work with 2Gb+ files on a VFAT filesystem. Does it work? +I'm trying to work with 2GB+ files on a VFAT file system. Does it work?

A: -No, VFAT doesn't support 2Gb+ files. -