You may not be able to use DVD playback on a Windows XP-based computer that is connected to two displays (306713)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Player for Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player for Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q306713

SYMPTOMS

You are using a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer that can send the video signal to two displays at the same time, such as a portable computer. In this case, you may not be able to use DVD playback on the computer. For example, you may not be able to use Microsoft Windows Media Player to play a DVD if the video signal is sent to the portable computer screen and to an external monitor. Additionally, you may receive the following error message:
Windows Media Player is currently unable to play DVD video. Click Details, and then click troubleshooter for information about configuring your computer to play DVDs. Switching between the different display output modes may also cause DVD playback not to work.

CAUSE

It may not be possible to create the overlay that is required for DVD playback in Windows Media Player on two display devices at the same time. Therefore, DVD playback through DirectShow may not be possible.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use only one display output at a time.

MORE INFORMATION

Some DVD decoders require that Windows Media Player use OvMixer. OvMixer requires overlays. However, most video hardware only has one overlay. Therefore, you see the results only on one monitor. One way to work around this issue is to ask the DVD codec vendor if the vendor has a version that does not use OvMixer. Additionally, some video drivers have a "theater" or "mirror/clone" option. This option displays the DVD/display content on both monitors at the same time. Ask the video card vendor if your graphics card supports this feature.

Note This issue may occur only when you play a DVD in full-screen mode. This behavior may not affect the third-party DVD software whose DVD codec is also being used by Windows Media Player.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/30/2005
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB306713
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