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newer videos only play audio
A read-only archive of old serato.com help threads.

newer videos only play audio

Product
Video-SL
Version
Video-SL 1.2.0
Scratch Live 2.3.3
Hardware
Rane TTM 57SL
Computer
PC
OS
Platform
-
DJ Smokey 10:44 PM - 23 January, 2012
Basically when I load newer music videos (not ones that I have collected 2-5 years ago, I only hear the audio and nothing displays in the video window. The main problem is with mp4 files but I get problems with avi files too although it's a different problem with those and I'm mainly concerned with getting the mp4 videos working. I went through the forum help suggestions, I added the codes and so on, I did the force quicktime registry edit, still nothing. The only thing that I noticed helps is to increase the buffer in the performance tab of the video SL setup. However, I noticed that when I do the frames/sec goes down exponentially and the videos start getting choppy and are missing frames so this is not really a solution. Is that normal by the way?

After converting/encoding these mp4 files with the ATI video converter software that came with my laptop, I was able to play all videos by doubling the buffer size to about 400mb. The frame/sec rate drops to about half but if I go any farther in the buffer zone it's almost like a slideshow of pictures.

Is this normal behavior of the scratch live software or the videoSL plug in? I would like to run the videos at max frames/sec and I don't even understand why increasing the buffer would reduce that? Don't we want to have a larger buffer if we have the space?

Either way, this is not an acceptable solution, I shouldn't have to manually re-encode videos that work with all my other friend's computers running the same versions of the software, what could the problem be?
Academic Aristocrat 11:27 PM - 23 January, 2012
Have you tried using Handbrake to encode your videos? There is a step by step guide and a template with the best settings here: serato.com
Serato, Moderator
AnthonyS 1:45 AM - 24 January, 2012
Hi DJ Smokey,

Sorry to hear your having issues with Scratch Live and Video files. Lets get them sorted.

As Academic Aristocrat has detailed above we reccommend that Video-SL users use Handbrake and the Video-SL Preset to encode their video files to a Scratch Live compatible format for best performance.

Could you also detail your full computer specs including the graphics card that is installed so we can troubleshoot the problem more acurately.

Video-SL scales its performance according to the capabilities of your graphics card.

If you are trying to play 'NEW VIDEOS' i'm also assuming that these videos are higher quality 1080p video files which will strain the GPU if you are playing on both decks.

Try encoding a couple of the problem files using Handbrake and the Video-SL Preset and let me know if this improves the performance of the file in Scratch Live.

Download Handbrake and the Video-SL Preset for Win here; sera.to

You can improve the quality of the encode by increasing the average bitrate to 4000 and adding more refference frames in the advanced setup if you need to.

Let me know how it goes and we'll take it from there.

Anthony
Dj 1Glove 7:59 AM - 25 January, 2012
I had a similar problem with no video till I upgraded from version 2.2.2 to version 2.3.3 now I just remain with some new videos to be converted.

I tried the steps above downloaded handbrake and serato preset, unfortunately I cannot still view video only hear audio.

Handbrake converts to a mkv file but even though I make it mp4 it is not showing the video. Is there any other way to convert the videos? I also have Perian installed

My specs are:

13" Mac Book Pro 8
2.4ghz dual core intel i5
4GB RAM
500GB HDD
Intel HD Graphics 3000
OS X Lion
Serato SL1, SL2, SL3 w/ video sl
phatbob 11:39 AM - 25 January, 2012
DJ 1Glove, if the Serato preset is making an MKV then it's not being applied correctly in Handbrake.

I would go through the article again and make sure you've followed all the steps correctly.
DJ Smokey 10:30 PM - 30 January, 2012
Yes I have, didn't make a difference. Plus, these are videos that work in other people's VideoSL the way they are encoded already.

Quote:
Have you tried using Handbrake to encode your videos? There is a step by step guide and a template with the best settings here: serato.com
DJ Smokey 10:39 PM - 30 January, 2012
I have a HP dv6t quad core 1.6ghz with 6gb of ram and 1gb of dedicated video ram. My video card is an ATI mobility Radeon HD 5650. The total available graphics memory on the laptop is 3806mb. I haven't used any video higher than 720p. But yes, I have been playing them 2 at a time. (one into the other) However, with these newer videos, I can't evne load one at a time unless I higher the buffer, which greatly reduces the frame rate and I noticed there is a line that goes through the videos when I play them. I've tried handbrake, these videos still didn't display unless I raised the buffer.

I've started having another problem too. 4 times last week the music shut off while I was playing. (over the span of 3 nights and 14 hours, however 3 of the 4 were over a 3 hour span which was really bad for obvious reasons) The usb light lit up yellow for a second or two and the music would only start if i turned off and back on the mixer (ttm 57sl) .

This is obviously a bigger concern even than the videos playing choppy, I would appreciate any help with both issues.

Quote:
Hi DJ Smokey,

Sorry to hear your having issues with Scratch Live and Video files. Lets get them sorted.

As Academic Aristocrat has detailed above we reccommend that Video-SL users use Handbrake and the Video-SL Preset to encode their video files to a Scratch Live compatible format for best performance.

Could you also detail your full computer specs including the graphics card that is installed so we can troubleshoot the problem more acurately.

Video-SL scales its performance according to the capabilities of your graphics card.

If you are trying to play 'NEW VIDEOS' i'm also assuming that these videos are higher quality 1080p video files which will strain the GPU if you are playing on both decks.

Try encoding a couple of the problem files using Handbrake and the Video-SL Preset and let me know if this improves the performance of the file in Scratch Live.

Download Handbrake and the Video-SL Preset for Win here; sera.to

You can improve the quality of the encode by increasing the average bitrate to 4000 and adding more refference frames in the advanced setup if you need to.

Let me know how it goes and we'll take it from there.

Anthony
DJ Smokey 10:42 PM - 30 January, 2012
I wanted to add that after raising the buffer, I could play these newer 720p and 480p videos without having to re-encode them, but again, they're choppy with a line going through the middle most of the time.
DJ Tecniq 11:22 PM - 30 January, 2012
Quote:
I wanted to add that after raising the buffer, I could play these newer 720p and 480p videos without having to re-encode them, but again, they're choppy with a line going through the middle most of the time.
PC & VSL = bad experience
DJ Smokey 12:03 AM - 31 January, 2012
why? my PC is more powerfurful than a mac book bro, plus I know people doing videos for years using a much much much weaker PC without these issues
phatbob 12:08 AM - 31 January, 2012
That's the problem unfortunately. There is never any logical reason why one Windows machine works and another doesn't. There are just so many combinations of hardware/drivers/bios on Windows, it can be really hard to nail down the problem, as you've found.

Hopefully the support staff might have some more ideas for you to try.
DJ Smokey 12:32 AM - 31 January, 2012
That does make some sense, because I was having a problem just playing audio when I first got this laptop about a year and a half ago. They assured me that the problem would be adressed in the next release of scratchlive software and I'm not sure if it was or not but eventually the laptop started working fine. It was doing the same thing, where the audio would just cut off and wouldn't turn on until I turned the mixer off and back on. Now I have the same thing happening again, after not having this problem for over a year with videos. It's really frustrating

Quote:
That's the problem unfortunately. There is never any logical reason why one Windows machine works and another doesn't. There are just so many combinations of hardware/drivers/bios on Windows, it can be really hard to nail down the problem, as you've found.

Hopefully the support staff might have some more ideas for you to try.
phatbob 12:51 AM - 31 January, 2012
Hang on, what processor is in your machine?

It's not an 'i' series is it?
DJ Smokey 1:19 AM - 31 January, 2012
yes, i-7 why?

Quote:
Hang on, what processor is in your machine?

It's not an 'i' series is it?
DJ Tecniq 1:24 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
yes, i-7 why?

Quote:
Hang on, what processor is in your machine?

It's not an 'i' series is it?
There is a problem with I series windows computers and usb 1.1 (ttm-57) I would browse the forum for some solution. Maybe you need to upgrade the drivers.
phatbob 1:28 AM - 31 January, 2012
Sorry dude, here's the bad news.

(This is all info I've got from support staff in other threads).

There is a flaw with the i series processors and USB 1.1 devices like the 57 and SL1.

Serato identified a fix 2 years ago and submitted it to the OS makers.

Apple fixed it straight away.

2 years later, Microsoft have still not fixed it.

If all the tweaks and optimisations have failed to make your system run right, then I guarantee this is what you've come up against.

You have 2 options.

1. Trade up from the 57 to the 61 or 62. Or change mixer brands and get an SL box (not the SL1).

2. Get a new laptop. You could buy a windows machine with a different type of processor but you won't get as good a spec. Or get a Mac.

Sorry, but that's the way it breaks down.
DJ Tecniq 1:28 AM - 31 January, 2012
I have an I series mac and there were problems with audio dropouts but because mac is so awesome they fixed the issue. Windows still hasn't found a solution unfortunately. It doesn't matter how geeked up your laptop is what matters is if your laptop is compatible with serato. I'm not saying go out and buy a mac but I'd consider selling your laptop or testing with a SL-2 which is usb 2.0 (newer hardware) to see if it resolves your problem.
DJ Tecniq 1:31 AM - 31 January, 2012
And I recommend you trying an older OS unlike Windows 7 which is a resource hog. Windows XP happens to run best with Serato..yes it is old but your mixer is pretty much old now also. Good luck
DJ Smokey 1:37 AM - 31 January, 2012
i didn't have a single such problem for over a year, there's got to be something causing it. It happened 5-6 times when I first got the computer and 4 times this weekend. It happened right after I upgraded my hard drive, I'm starting to thing it has something to do with the cloning going bad.

I can't use a different mixer because that's the bar mixer where I work. Would hooking up an sl box through it (even thought completely unncessary) make a diff as long is not SL1?

Also, for anyone using a pc, how much memory does the ScratchLive.exe process show it uses up through task manager? Mine is usually around 800,000K which seems ridiculous.
DJ Smokey 1:38 AM - 31 January, 2012
By the way this is the problem that SSL said would be fixed in their next release (they told me that over a year ago) and I was convinced it was fixed because I stopped having these problems until I started doing videos....

Could the problem, with the audio stopping be related to volume levels at all? Like having the trip turned up past 60% (reds) or the master past 75% or something along those lines?
DJ Tecniq 1:44 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
By the way this is the problem that SSL said would be fixed in their next release (they told me that over a year ago) and I was convinced it was fixed because I stopped having these problems until I started doing videos....

Could the problem, with the audio stopping be related to volume levels at all? Like having the trip turned up past 60% (reds) or the master past 75% or something along those lines?
My only suggestion is to test with some other box other than SL1 or a diff mixer. If it turns out the problem stops then usb 1.1 is the culprit.
DJ Tecniq 1:47 AM - 31 January, 2012
I have also read stories that the video card "ATI mobility Radeon HD 5650" you have isn't fully supported with scratchlive. I say get a mac you career will be stress free. Just depends how much u care about it.
DJ Tecniq 1:51 AM - 31 January, 2012
I would also take a look at the link below to see if it resolves anything. Could be your databasev2 got corrupt. There's many things it could be.
serato.com
phatbob 1:52 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
i didn't have a single such problem for over a year, there's got to be something causing it.


Again, could be anything that has caused it to go flaky - a driver update, a bios update, even a windows update.

You could run a Rane interface into the mixer, but you'll lose fader control as you can't run both into the same laptop.

I'm guessing when Serato told you the problem would be fixed they were counting on Microsoft applying the fix as Apple did.

Unfortunately Microsoft don't give a sh*t about you...
DJ Smokey 2:08 AM - 31 January, 2012
You guys are so quick to just say go buy a mac lol. If i had $2000 laying around I wouldn't be on here posting and looking for help!

Anyway I just ran into something very interesting. Not sure if it will work but I'm going to try it. Some guy said they plugged their box into a usb 2.0 hub plugged into the computer. Seems useless but if it somehow overrides the 1.1 connection it maybe do the trick.

Also I'm going to double check to make sure my bios is the latest. I don't see how swapping out a hard drive would've reverted to an older bios though so I doubt that's the issue.

And yes Microsoft is my #1 enemy right now. I have never been a fan of Macs. They're like toys to me, what you can do on them is so limited, as least software wise. Yes it's gotten a lot better over the last few years and with now being able to run Windows on them, I have considered it, but there's more to it. I network my laptop to my desktop and do most of my work that way remotely..... I'm not sure i can do that if my laptop was a Mac.
DJ Tecniq 2:13 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
You guys are so quick to just say go buy a mac lol. If i had $2000 laying around I wouldn't be on here posting and looking for help!

Anyway I just ran into something very interesting. Not sure if it will work but I'm going to try it. Some guy said they plugged their box into a usb 2.0 hub plugged into the computer. Seems useless but if it somehow overrides the 1.1 connection it maybe do the trick.

Also I'm going to double check to make sure my bios is the latest. I don't see how swapping out a hard drive would've reverted to an older bios though so I doubt that's the issue.

And yes Microsoft is my #1 enemy right now. I have never been a fan of Macs. They're like toys to me, what you can do on them is so limited, as least software wise. Yes it's gotten a lot better over the last few years and with now being able to run Windows on them, I have considered it, but there's more to it. I network my laptop to my desktop and do most of my work that way remotely..... I'm not sure i can do that if my laptop was a Mac.
A mac is incredibly easier to use than a windows laptop. The interface and OS is so much more sleek. I used to be a hardcore pc user and I had video-sl it ran like shit cuz my HP didn't meet the requirements. I got a mac and wished I would of gotten one sooner they are amazing. Don't knock it till u try it. The reason why most users will tell u get a mac cause most VSL users are using macs without a problem. I understand it sucks to shell out $2000..hell mine was $1600 and I upgraded the ram and video card. Was it worth it? For my career and never have to buy another laptop..Absolutely!
DJ Smokey 2:13 AM - 31 January, 2012
Anyway, I think I hicjaked my own thread and changed the main focus. I still don't know why higher quality videos don't load unless I higher the video buffer and why does doign that reduce the frames and make the videos choppy (which pretty much defeats the purpose of even doing videos). I don't think this is related to the i processor.... at least I've never read anything that would make me think that.
phatbob 2:15 AM - 31 January, 2012
You can certainly do that with a Mac. You can do pretty much anything the same with windows or osx these days. And of course you can always install windows on a mac...

Basically dude, you've obviously read a lot on the forum. You must have seen that GENERALLY people have less issues with VideoSL on OSX, for the reasons I outlined a few posts above.

I'm entirely a mac user, but I would never say people should only use a Mac for Scratch Live generally. Windows is fine for that (apart from this USB 1.1 issue).

But for video, if you want an easy life, I'm saying Mac every time.
DJ Smokey 2:16 AM - 31 January, 2012
I know it's easy.... I don't really like that. That means it's very limited in what you can do with it. But the reality is that 95% of what I use it for will be djing so that shouldn't concern me. I just bought a PC wit the hopes of being able to do more on it than just one thing after forking over a lot of money, mine cost $1600. If I could go back in time I probably would've gotten a Mac but nothing I can do about that now.

A mac is incredibly easier to use than a windows laptop. The interface and OS is so much more sleek. I used to be a hardcore pc user and I had video-sl it ran like shit cuz my HP didn't meet the requirements. I got a mac and wished I would of gotten one sooner they are amazing. Don't knock it till u try it. The reason why most users will tell u get a mac cause most VSL users are using macs without a problem. I understand it sucks to shell out $2000..hell mine was $1600 and I upgraded the ram and video card. Was it worth it? For my career and never have to buy another laptop..Absolutely!
DJ Smokey 2:18 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
You can certainly do that with a Mac. You can do pretty much anything the same with windows or osx these days. And of course you can always install windows on a mac...

Basically dude, you've obviously read a lot on the forum. You must have seen that GENERALLY people have less issues with VideoSL on OSX, for the reasons I outlined a few posts above.

I'm entirely a mac user, but I would never say people should only use a Mac for Scratch Live generally. Windows is fine for that (apart from this USB 1.1 issue).

But for video, if you want an easy life, I'm saying Mac every time.


That last part...what are you basing that on? Why do you think a mac handles videos better? I've talked with one friend who has been doing videos for a year 4 nights a week, he's running an older comptuers with less video memory and a shit OS (Vista) and he hasn't had any issues...and I'm pretty certain he has an i-3
DJ Tecniq 2:19 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
Anyway, I think I hicjaked my own thread and changed the main focus. I still don't know why higher quality videos don't load unless I higher the video buffer and why does doign that reduce the frames and make the videos choppy (which pretty much defeats the purpose of even doing videos). I don't think this is related to the i processor.... at least I've never read anything that would make me think that.
Processor I don't think has anything to do it. It relies more on the video card since you're using video. For example my mac's video card is a NVIDIA GeForce GT 330 M w/ Intel HD Graphics with superb quality.
DJ Tecniq 2:23 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
That last part...what are you basing that on? Why do you think a mac handles videos better? I've talked with one friend who has been doing videos for a year 4 nights a week, he's running an older comptuers with less video memory and a shit OS (Vista) and he hasn't had any issues...and I'm pretty certain he has an i-3
Exactly! And he's using Vista not Windows 7. If he's running video with Vista then Vista obviously isn't shit..Windows 7 blows bro!
phatbob 2:26 AM - 31 January, 2012
The last part of my post is based on lurking around on these forums for years and seeing just how much trouble people have running VSL on MANY windows machines.

As I say, it's not ALL of them. Some people strike it lucky and have no issues at all. But a lot of them do. Some Windows machines will just never work right. People have issues with macs too but they are generally always solvable eventually.

Just my observation.
DJ Smokey 2:27 AM - 31 January, 2012
lol you obviously know nothing about PCs if you think Vista is better than Windows 7....Vista was the worst OS since WinME. And it used up about double the resources that Windows 7 does...
DJ Smokey 2:29 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
The last part of my post is based on lurking around on these forums for years and seeing just how much trouble people have running VSL on MANY windows machines.

As I say, it's not ALL of them. Some people strike it lucky and have no issues at all. But a lot of them do. Some Windows machines will just never work right. People have issues with macs too but they are generally always solvable eventually.

Just my observation.


yeah I've seen Macs crash runing serato too... I think I just got screwed with a crappy buy. Wish I had read that thread on i processors before I bought it at least, but I never would've thought getting a top of the line PC would be a problem...the reason I upgraded was because the other one was too old and starting to lag!
DJ Tecniq 2:31 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
lol you obviously know nothing about PCs if you think Vista is better than Windows 7....Vista was the worst OS since WinME. And it used up about double the resources that Windows 7 does...
You may think that. But most pc users prefer windows vista over 7. You must not realize how much more memory windows 7 uses. I used to have a HP Pavilion (still do) and I never upgraded to Vista. I ran serato on windows xp home edition and it ran like a champ. I have been on this forum long enough. And most ppl that had problems with serato or vsl that had pc's bought mac's. Suddenly the help forum was quiet....till now
DJ Smokey 2:32 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
lol you obviously know nothing about PCs if you think Vista is better than Windows 7....Vista was the worst OS since WinME. And it used up about double the resources that Windows 7 does...
You may think that. But most pc users prefer windows vista over 7. You must not realize how much more memory windows 7 uses. I used to have a HP Pavilion (still do) and I never upgraded to Vista. I ran serato on windows xp home edition and it ran like a champ. I have been on this forum long enough. And most ppl that had problems with serato or vsl that had pc's bought mac's. Suddenly the help forum was quiet....till now


yeah I never had problems with XP either but eventually the computer I was running starting getting sluggish.... kinda goes to show you that newer is not always better
DJ Tecniq 2:37 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
lol you obviously know nothing about PCs if you think Vista is better than Windows 7....Vista was the worst OS since WinME. And it used up about double the resources that Windows 7 does...
You may think that. But most pc users prefer windows vista over 7. You must not realize how much more memory windows 7 uses. I used to have a HP Pavilion (still do) and I never upgraded to Vista. I ran serato on windows xp home edition and it ran like a champ. I have been on this forum long enough. And most ppl that had problems with serato or vsl that had pc's bought mac's. Suddenly the help forum was quiet....till now


yeah I never had problems with XP either but eventually the computer I was running starting getting sluggish.... kinda goes to show you that newer is not always better
I agree. It's proven that XP runs remarkably better with serato cause it's not so resource heavy. Nore does it load the pc down. With older windows software there's less drivers to worry about so it makes sense. I personally would of stuck with XP and just increased ram or video card but that's just me. My easier solution was a mac. Never had a virus/spyware and I've had it for over a yr now.
DJ Smokey 2:40 AM - 31 January, 2012
I can load XP on my current computer but I doubt that would do anything to prevent the i processor issue, althought if it helps with Video, it's still worth it
DJ Tecniq 2:41 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
I can load XP on my current computer but I doubt that would do anything to prevent the i processor issue, althought if it helps with Video, it's still worth it
Did you happen to read anything from the link I posted earlier? It all concerns your issue with the i processor and usb 1.1
DJ Smokey 2:42 AM - 31 January, 2012
yes i've read everything. I realize changing the OS doesn't affect the processor and the usb devices but you never know, it's all about some configurations working and some that do not
DJ Tecniq 2:51 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
yes i've read everything. I realize changing the OS doesn't affect the processor and the usb devices but you never know, it's all about some configurations working and some that do not
Sometimes reformatting the hard drive or completely flushing the computer and starting over helps. Maybe try system restore? if it was working before but not now that's it's likely it was a download or upgrade. You never know with windows computers...they are like puzzles if they don't have the pieces they had before then it's game over!
DJ Smokey 2:52 AM - 31 January, 2012
well I did a hd clone so it should be identical to what I had before as far as files and settings but I think I will do a fresh install because I can't have it keep doing this.
DJ Tecniq 2:54 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
well I did a hd clone so it should be identical to what I had before as far as files and settings but I think I will do a fresh install because I can't have it keep doing this.
hey man it's worth a shot. make sure u backup all ur data and files. If it works fine after fresh install then u know something went array with the computer and it's not software. The smallest computer problems can interfere with serato in a huge way. Good luck!
DJ Tecniq 3:03 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
well I did a hd clone so it should be identical to what I had before as far as files and settings but I think I will do a fresh install because I can't have it keep doing this.
Did you happen to check this link? if you scroll to the bottom there is a workaround for this in serato 2.2
DJ Tecniq 3:03 AM - 31 January, 2012
serato.com

this link ^
DJ Tecniq 3:07 AM - 31 January, 2012
Sorry apparently that link directs you to the latest release which u are already on...(serato's error) here is the link for 2.2 ----> serato.com

Note: I use this version with vsl and have not had any issues..however I am on mac. But it seems they did a temporary fix for this version so i suggest try it ^
DJ Smokey 3:43 AM - 31 January, 2012
Are you saying I should downgrade to 2.2? And if there's a fix in 2.2, why would it not remain in 2.3.3?
DJ Tecniq 4:13 AM - 31 January, 2012
Quote:
Are you saying I should downgrade to 2.2? And if there's a fix in 2.2, why would it not remain in 2.3.3?
good point. I'm not really sure cause maybe users that use 2.3.3 have had corruption issues with video files..i've stuck with serato 2.2 and no issues here.
DJ Smokey 7:14 PM - 31 January, 2012
I found a BIOS update from last month....lets hope Microsoft or HP has addressed the problem. Fingers crossed
Serato, Moderator
AnthonyS 10:12 PM - 9 February, 2012
Hi DJ Smokey,

Just got back around to your thread. Unfortunately Microsoft have not at this stage fixed the iSeries issue :(

A couple of things that have come to mind while reading back through this thread.

1) Have you tried running your machine with Turbo Boost ON ? This will boost the CPU to 2.8GHz.

2) You should be able to run your Video-SL>Setup>Info>Buffer at 1GB at least.

3) Did you download and install the K-Lite and CCCP codec packages from here; ninite.com

4) Make sure the graphics card driver is up to date and set to high performance.
11:00 PM, 23 Feb 2012
This help request has been closed due to inactivity.