No Visualization for MIDI Files (261862)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 7.1
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 7

This article was previously published under Q261862

SYMPTOMS

Windows Media Player 7 and 7.1 do not display visualizations while playing MIDI format music files.

CAUSE

This occurs because MIDI files contain only descriptive information about the music, not actual sound data. MIDI information describes the notes played and the manner in which they are played, but it does not represent the actual sound. A MIDI file played on different soundcards using different wavetables will produce completely different music and may even use different instrumentation than what was originally intended.

Media Player produces visualization information before sending the data to the sound card. Because the sound has not yet been created by the wavetable on the soundcard, Media Player cannot place MIDI data into a suitable context in order to produce visualization data.

MORE INFORMATION

A visualization consists of splashes of color and geometric shapes that change with the beat of the audio (music) that is currently playing. Windows Media Player 7 and 7.1 include more than 30 visualizations.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/25/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB261862