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DirectShow playback support for files recorded with Windows XP Media Center Edition

Article ID: 810243 - View products that this article applies to.

SUMMARY

Microsoft has released a supplement to update the Stream Buffer Engine (SBE) and Encryptor/Decryptor (EncDec) components that are included with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1). If you want to play files that were recorded in Windows XP Media Center Edition (.dvr-ms files) on a computer that is running Windows XP SP1, download the "Update for Windows XP Service Pack 1 (KB810243)" update from the Microsoft Windows Update Web site. To download this update, visit the Microsoft Windows Update Web site:

http://update.microsoft.com

(http://update.microsoft.com)

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MORE INFORMATION

The SBE was first included with Windows XP SP1. Programs can use the SBE to seek, pause, and record a live video stream without interrupting the stream. Transitions between live and recorded content are seamless. Currently, the SBE supports MPEG-2 video and digital video (DV) sources at capture rates up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps). Shows that are recorded in Windows XP Media Center Edition are stored with a .dvr-ms file name extension. Whether you can access .dvr-ms files by using DirectShow depends on the copy protection policy that is set by the content owner, the broadcaster, or both. If the broadcaster designates a program as being copy protected, you can use full personal video recorder (PVR) functionality by using a Windows XP Media Center Edition-based PC (including recording the program for later viewing), but you cannot play those files on other PCs or devices. You can play back any unprotected TV content that was recorded with Windows XP Media Center Edition on the following devices:

Any Windows XP Media Center Edition-based PC with the latest updates installed
Any computer that is running Windows XP Home Edition SP1 or Windows XP Professional SP1 and Microsoft Windows Media Player 9 Series, or another compatible Windows XP SP1 DirectShow-based player (this requires the update that is described in this article)

Note that .dvr-ms files contain MPEG-2 video and audio streams. You must have a Windows XP-compatible DVD decoder installed to play these files.

Requirements and Recommendations for Playing .dvr-ms Files

Required:
- Windows XP-compatible, DirectShow-based DVD decoder
Recommended:
- CPU operating at 1 GHz or faster
- Video adapter with 32 megabytes (MB) or more video memory

The English (US) version of this update has the file attributes (or later file attributes) 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 item in Control Panel.

   Date         Time   Version        Size     File name
   --------------------------------------------------------
   26-Nov-2002  20:15  6.4.2600.1142  166,912  Encdec.dll       
   26-Nov-2002  20:15  6.4.2600.1142  219,136  Sbe.dll          
   09-Sep-2003  16:23  5.1.2600.1267    4,096  Verifmce.dll

To remove this update, use the Add or Remove Programs control panel item to remove Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) [See KB810243 for more information].

Technical support for Windows x64 editions

Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for Microsoft Windows x64 editions. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation with unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

(http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx)

For product information about Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/editions.mspx

(http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/editions.mspx)

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