Encoder: Video Compressed to Single Line

When converting certain types of .avi files into .asf files with the Windows Media Encoder, the resulting video shows as a thin line of video at the top of the Windows Media Player window, rather than a full video image.

When the Windows Media Encoder's source is an .avi file and Default is set for the color format, the encoder always converts the video image to the RGB color format. In this case, the .avi video is in I420 color format, and the encoder will convert the image from I420 to RGB when the Default color format is used.

When I420 is used for the color format in an .avi file, there is no color conversion needed. When converting an .avi file of this type to an .asf file, change the encoder color settings from Default to I420.

To change this setting:

1. Start the Windows Media Encoder.
2. Select Custom settings for the configuration.
3. Select AVI/WAV/MP3 File for the media source.
4. Browse to your .avi file.
5. Select either single or multibitrate video.
6. Select your bandwidth.
7. Select the audio and video codec you want to use and click Advanced. Change the Pixel Format from Default to I420.
8. Continue through the wizard and select the options you want to use.

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post more information in this article when the information becomes available.