Hardware or software problem? Weird colors on .wmv videos.

Tim_K · Sep 15, 2008, 10:02 PM

I've got a problem playing .wmv encoded video on my computer all of a sudden after changing my video card.

I've got an Abit NF-7 Version 2.0 MB, Barton core 2500+ Athlon XP, 1.25 GB RAM, Windows XP Home OS.

I had aRadeon X700 Pro 256 Mb card for a long time, and the driver CD that came with it had it working great. I play WoW at max video settings, so I needed a better video card.

I got a Radeon X850 Pro 256 MB, and after going through several drivers on the ATI website, I sent it back as an RMA. In the meantime, I used the X700 Pro.

Got a new X850, still has same problems. Most video and WoW plays well, but .wmv encoded video or any videos I ever made in Windows Movie Maker (.wmv codecs), is all weird looking. Mostly light and dark blue shades of color, and other bright colors all over the place also.

I read some stuff here that talked about the hardware acceleration settings. I've NEVER had to adjust hardware acceleration in the past, I just cranked it up and left it there.

I tried deleting the ATI drivers entirely and downloading the latest Omega 4.8.8.2 drivers. Same problem. Other video and WOW works well, but .wmv video is still screwed up. It's really annoying, as some videos I've made myself and some choice ... ummmm.... "adult" video clips are all messed up too now as a result.

What can I try to get it playing smoothly again?

Tim_K · Sep 15, 2008, 10:23 PM

For the first time ever, I tried reducing the hardware acceleration. With the slider moved 3 notches down from full, the affected videos play correctly.

Just thought that might give someone more info to help diagnose the problem with.

It says "Disable all DirectDraw and Direct3D accelerations, as well as all cursor and advanced drawing accelerations. Use this setting to correct severe problems with DirectX accelerated applications." .

So what are these "severe problems"?

RoyBatty · Sep 16, 2008, 06:09 PM

There is an option called "WMV Acceleration" in the Catalyst drivers, disabling it should help with the weird-wmv-colors problem (I always had to disable it on my previous GFX cards to get WMV working). The option is accessible via ATI Tray Tools and old Catalyst Control Panel, but I didn't find it in the latest CCC (on HD4850).

Sep 15, 2008, 10:02 PM	#1
Tim_K DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	Hardware or software problem? Weird colors on .wmv videos. I've got a problem playing .wmv encoded video on my computer all of a sudden after changing my video card. I've got an Abit NF-7 Version 2.0 MB, Barton core 2500+ Athlon XP, 1.25 GB RAM, Windows XP Home OS. I had aRadeon X700 Pro 256 Mb card for a long time, and the driver CD that came with it had it working great. I play WoW at max video settings, so I needed a better video card. I got a Radeon X850 Pro 256 MB, and after going through several drivers on the ATI website, I sent it back as an RMA. In the meantime, I used the X700 Pro. Got a new X850, still has same problems. Most video and WoW plays well, but .wmv encoded video or any videos I ever made in Windows Movie Maker (.wmv codecs), is all weird looking. Mostly light and dark blue shades of color, and other bright colors all over the place also. I read some stuff here that talked about the hardware acceleration settings. I've NEVER had to adjust hardware acceleration in the past, I just cranked it up and left it there. I tried deleting the ATI drivers entirely and downloading the latest Omega 4.8.8.2 drivers. Same problem. Other video and WOW works well, but .wmv video is still screwed up. It's really annoying, as some videos I've made myself and some choice ... ummmm.... "adult" video clips are all messed up too now as a result. What can I try to get it playing smoothly again?

Sep 15, 2008, 10:23 PM	Thread Starter #2
Tim_K DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	For the first time ever, I tried reducing the hardware acceleration. With the slider moved 3 notches down from full, the affected videos play correctly. Just thought that might give someone more info to help diagnose the problem with. It says "Disable all DirectDraw and Direct3D accelerations, as well as all cursor and advanced drawing accelerations. Use this setting to correct severe problems with DirectX accelerated applications." . So what are these "severe problems"?

Sep 16, 2008, 06:09 PM	#3
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	There is an option called "WMV Acceleration" in the Catalyst drivers, disabling it should help with the weird-wmv-colors problem (I always had to disable it on my previous GFX cards to get WMV working). The option is accessible via ATI Tray Tools and old Catalyst Control Panel, but I didn't find it in the latest CCC (on HD4850).