FIX: The filter graph that uses the Windows Media ASF Writer filter may stop working when a sparse script stream is present (839522)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Format 9 Series SDK
Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

Some applications that use the Windows Media ASF Writer Filter in the filter graph may stop capturing data when the profile contains a script stream.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the filter graph contains a script stream that has commands at infrequent intervals, also known as a sparse script stream. When the filter graph contains a sparse script stream, the audio pins and the video pins sleep while the data in the script stream catches up.

RESOLUTION

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next release that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:
DownloadDownload the WindowsMedia9-KB839522-ENU.exe package now.

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services

Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel. 
   Date         Time   Version            Size    File name
   --------------------------------------------------------------
   01-Apr-2004  14:35  9.0.0.3155        245,760  Qasf.dll

MORE INFORMATION

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

You can enable this hotfix either programmatically or by means of the registry.

Atom enabled behavior

You can enable this hotfix programmatically by means of an atom that has the following atom value:

ExcludeScriptStreamDeliverySynchronization

Script streams will be excluded from the self-regulating mechanism of the Windows Media ASF Writer Filter. This call must be made before the Windows Media ASF Writer Filter is loaded.

For more information about how to use atoms, visit the following MSDN Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/winui/WinUI/WindowsUserInterface/DataExchange/Atoms/AtomReference/AtomFunctions/AddAtom.asp

Registry enabled behavior

To enable this hotfix by means of the registry, follow these steps:
  1. Create the following registry key (where <AppName>.exe is the name of the host application):

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectShow\WMFilters\AppCompatibility\<AppName>.exe

  2. Add a REG_DWORD value under this key that has a value name of OptionFlags1.
  3. You can OR the value data for this key for a combination of behaviors in this hotfix and in other fixes to the same component:
    • 0x0 - Same behavior as earlier versions.
    • 0x1 - Script streams will be excluded from the self-regulating mechanism of the Windows Media ASF Writer Filter.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section of this article.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/7/2006
Keywords:kbQFE KBHotfixServer kbdownload kbBug kbfix KB839522 kbAudDeveloper
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