Codec and WinDVD 7

[jeubanks]

Hello....Ok I have been staying up for days looking for answers to my questions. Here is my delima and I would like some comments on what to do next.

My problem started when watching my .tivo shows on my laptop, they are very dark. The brightness on some shows is really dark. My hardware doesn't allow for brightness change. So I go on a quest for a software solution to my problem. Everyone keeps saying try this codec and try this one. I want to find a software package for money or not that will allow me to change the brightness of the file via software. WinDVD 7 will do what I want, but won't play my tivo files. It says the file extension is invalid.

Every codec that I have downloaded and installed has only affected Windows Media player. All of the ones Tivo advertises to work on their website say they are for WMP. Do they work for other ones too? Or would I be wasting my money? Currently I have the Cole 2K media pack installed and it didn't change a thing on the WinDVD 7 problem. I loaded the windows decoder checkup utility and tried "prefer"ing different codecs and non that I have installed and non make WinDVD 7 work either. I liked the Core Media player, but it wouldn't change the brightness. It would if my hardware supported it, but not software wise.

I am just tired of searching for a solution to the problem, and banging my head against a wall it seems like. There has to be a program out there that I can buy or download that will play the .tivo files and will allow me to change the brightness via the software. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!!

Thanks

Jeff

PS....since when did Tivo stop offering the lifetime service agreement. I am wanting another Box, but I can't find a package I like....

[Stormspace]

Almost all laptops have a brightness and contrast control available via a function key and specially marked keys. What brand and model do you have, I don't mind looking into it for you.

[jeubanks]

well I wish it was that simple. I am an avid techy and that is not what is going on here. The graphics card is not able to increase the brightness or contrast. I need a software solution.

jeff

[jeubanks]

I would just like some help finding a player other than WMP that I can have more functions with. Pay or free........I just like options.....

[greg_burns]

My hardware doesn't allow for brightness change. So I go on a quest for a software solution to my problem.

My Nvidia card does have a brightness option. But I just tried adjusting it and everything else on the screen gets brighter except for the playing video. wierd

I took a look at Media Player Classic; it doesn't have a brightness feature either.

[greg_burns]

I just installed the Nvidia codec. (I have the earlier trial version, although I think the latest has the same features). It adds a "NVIDIA Decoders" icon by the clock (during playback). Inside there is a brightness option that does affect the video.

May want to check out the trial.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/dvd_decoder.html

PS: I also have a Nvidia card; not sure if it makes a difference or not.

Edit: (looks like the current activation key is for only 30 days, here is what I saved from before. Looks like it too it. :) )

First and Last Name: Trial-60
Email Address: dvdtrial@nvidia.com
Last 4 Digits of Credit Card: 2005
Activation Key: 84CA-4A56-9BF7-2D53-5BA3-5FD6-FA56