Help with playback...
 

Guys, the weirdest thing happened.

All the sudden, I cannot play any movie on my PC DVD, not even the original ones that I have bought.

It was working last time I tried, today, nothing.

The drive will read, I can see the files in the explorer. Also, it will start the playback program (interactual player).

But the screen inside the player remains black. Pressing play does no good, it just stay still in a bnlack screen.

I really don't know what's going on, as the last thing I used the device to was to play a backup I have made (that was one and a half days ago), and it worked like a charm. Now, all the sudden, not a thing.

Any ideas? I don't know what to do, as I have just started with DVDs in the computer and I'm not very used to handle them yet.

My device is an LG GMA-4020B.

Thanks.

Try a different player prog like power dvd.

Re: Help with playback...
 

I did, it didn't work.

Guys, let me know if this can have anything to do with it:

The first time I tried to copy a DVD as a test, when I inserted it, it asked me to change my region info (and I did, to region 4), than after that it played fine.

Than I started to make the copy, and for that I used the DVD encrypter and the nero.

Than I found this message in the manual after the playback problems:

"Please note: Since this product supports Region Playback Control Phase II, a certain MPGE decoder card or software without regional code setting may cause this drive not to read DVD-ROM discs. This drive enables you to change the regional code up to 5 times."

Is it what happened? somehow I blocked it for Ready Only DVDs? If so, is it irreversible?

Please, any imput will be really appreciated here.

Thanks.

Changing your region is not a problem. Try a firmware upgrade.

Shoot.

I have tried an firmware upgrade that I got in this page, but everything kept just the same. Still says that I only have three "region changes" before it's settled for good, and still is unable to play the DVDs.

What the heck is going on here???

This is weird. I don't know what to tell you. Do you know what ASPI you are using? If I were you, I would uninstall all dvd playback progs and the drive itself and try reinstalling it.

Errrr... forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is ASPI, and where can I get a good one?

Thanks.

Look here for an explanation and download and install this

Err... the install button display german texts (I don not understand one word in german) and the upgrade, that is in english, says it's for windows 95/NT. I'm using XP pro.

Is it safe to upgrade?

I use it with xp no problem.

Well... Thanks, pal.

But I have just downladed a newer version from that info page you showed me.

Still no good.

I have e-mailed LG with the info I gave in this thread, I want to see what they have to say about this.

Let's hope that they at least answer me...

I don't have any bright ideas at the moment either.:)

Well, thanks for trying. ;)

Sure. Let me know what type of response you get from technical support, if you get any.

I re-installed the drivers, and it worked now.

Thanks for the tips, anyway. ;)