Windows Vista Unable to watch recorded TV that's being streamed over the internet

[socross]

I haven't had luck with streaming recorded tv over the internet

I've searched these forums (and others) with no luck.

Both machines are running the RC (build 7100) and both have been secured using my windows live id. I even installed a codec pack on the laptop and I was able to play one show but no others...

It's actually two odd problems: The first is that meda player on the home machine does not display all the recorded tv I have. Sometimes it only shows a couple of files, other times it shows more. I have around 40 shows recorded, but it's not showing them all.

On my laptop I see the same limited list of shows that my home machine displays, but if I try to play any of them, I get no video and garbled, sporadic audio. Each file has a little "!" next to it, indicating it is an unrecognized file type.

This happens on both my work laptop and personal laptop. Streaming my recorded TV over the internet is one of the main reasons I've set my home up like I have - have you successfully streamed recorded tv over the internet?

I should note that I am able to stream my videos (mp4's) and music just fine. It's just recorded tv that is giving me the trouble.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are experiencing issues with streaming recorded TV over the internet specifically with Windows Media Player and encountering problems with unrecognized file types and playback errors. To troubleshoot this, here are some steps you can take:

Issues with Recorded TV in Windows Media Player:​

1. Windows Media Player Library: Ensure that Windows Media Player has properly indexed all your recorded TV shows. Sometimes, not all files are recognized or displayed due to indexing errors. You can try refreshing the library or adding the recorded TV folder to the library manually.
2. Codec Pack: The issue with garbled audio and unrecognized file types may be related to missing or incompatible codecs. Even though you installed a codec pack, there could still be compatibility issues. Consider using a reliable codec pack like K-Lite Codec Pack or Shark007 Standard Codecs to ensure proper playback.

   Streaming Recorded TV Over the Internet:​

3. Network Configuration: Check your network settings, especially if it involves port forwarding or if a firewall is blocking certain ports necessary for streaming. Ensure that the necessary ports for Windows Media Player streaming are open.
4. Internet Connection: Confirm that your internet connection speed is sufficient for streaming recorded TV without buffering issues. Low bandwidth can result in playback problems.
5. File Compatibility: Recorded TV files might have specific file formats or DRM (Digital Rights Management) that could interfere with playback over the internet. Ensure that the recorded TV files are in a compatible format for streaming.
6. Remote Media Streaming: Instead of relying solely on Windows Media Player, consider using other media streaming solutions like Plex, Kodi, or VLC media player for a more versatile streaming experience.

   Additional Recommendations:​

   • If you have access to other devices, try streaming to different devices to isolate whether the issue is specific to your laptops or a broader problem.
   • Update your Windows installation to the latest version or consider using a different media player for streaming purposes.
   Streaming recorded TV over the internet can be a demanding task, and ensuring compatibility, network setup, and codec support is essential for a smooth playback experience. Let me know if you need further assistance or if you have any other questions.