The basic challenge we face is that there's so much going on at once.

You may have seen the hot project list for 2008.  Right now, Impulse is taking up a lot of our resources. We are also doing a lot of work for PC OEMs right now that, unfortunately, we can't talk about.

As some make clear, DeskScapes is not an easy think. For instance, X64 support for MPEG really has nothing to do with DeskScapes. You can either play MPEG videos or you can't. Not all systems support MPEG unfortunately and we don't make MPEG players.

Then there's plain old hardware drivers and compatibility testing with SP1.  It's just quite an undertaking.  We are trying to get it out the door but it's not easy.

What file path is Deskscapes looking for the MPEG-2 codec in? What registry entries?

I don't understand where this is coming from.

I am going to see if I can find an X64 MPEG-2 Codec, or maybe Deskscapes is just not looking in the right spot. To me it does not seem right that it needs an X64 Codec to function. Why do all other 32 bit codecs function fine with everything else? Its not like these codecs are a device driver that must be 64 bit to function with a 64 bit operating system.

Further evidence that is doesn't make sense is that when I "Click here for more information" when I get the MPEG-2 error, it brings me to this stardock page: https://www.stardock.com/products/deskscapes/nocodec.asp

Which then links to this microsoft page about using third party decoders for non ultimate or premium versions of Vista.

"Please visit this Microsoft page for a description of solutions for other versions of Windows Vista."

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/plugins.aspx

Cyberlink is included there as well as a compatible Mpeg-2 Decoder, as per microsoft. Therefore, it should work. Nothing says anything about 64bit.


So does someone know where Deskscapes is looking for the codec?

Nevermind, Fixed it!


Install This:
http://www.start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=610&Itemid=72

ALL DREAMS WORK, INCLUDING MPEG-2 ON VISTA BUSINESS X64


You were right, it needed an X64 codec.

Were you surprised? 

only that I was the only one that could find an easy fix   

Also that this is not widely known or advertised as a solution to peoples issues.

The codec, since it is freely available, should be included in the Deskscapes program install unless that would cause licensing issues.

I think you were the only one looking ;)I'll bet the number of (1) Vista Business, (2) 64 bit, users wanting to (3) run videos [or Dreams] are fairly small.  Adding this to the https://www.stardock.com/products/deskscapes/nocodec.asp page would probably be the best option with the least hassle and no licensing or accountability.

Glad you found your solution.  Thanks for sharing the link.        

Reporting back with success. I finally managed to get DeskScapes going. The main reason for the delay was--wait for it--getting Vista UAC to play ball. Not a hard thing for me to do, but I can't imagine the frustration of a new user. And that's not Stardock's fault, of course.

Happy with the purchase of OD and even happier to have Deskscapes running.

so let me get this rite
od and the beta deskscapes runs on vista 64bit premium
and to get the mpegs running u download the k-lite codec pack as mentioned above
someone please confirm thanks

Zubaz: I suspect we cannot link to that site for legal reasons as my understanding is any mpeg2 decoder needs to pay for a patent license and a free codec is unlikely to have done this.

Thanks for the edit then.

Sorry about that.

And I suspect that this is wrong because it is freeware and widely distributed by many respected news sites, including softpedia. Wouldn't they have been prosecuted by now?
(K-lite).

Breathless19: You may want to read the Patent holders section here : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-2

It seems there might be a special method for freeware distribution BUT the end user is then responsible for purchasing a patent license directly.  I suspect directing our users to such a codec would probably not be considered as non commercial use.

The article on ffmpeg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ffmpeg) which is used by many of the free decoders is also worth reading.  Especially the legal status section.

The licensing costs is part of the reason why Windows Vista business does not come with a mpeg2 decoder already.

   "BoOoooooOooOOoo"

I would have no problem paying for an alternative if only one existed. Microsoft doesn't have a patent on it (to my understanding), so why does noone else have one? As you have probably read on one of my previous posts, I just paid for the Ultra version of PowerDVD, and that doesn't even have it.

Paying for the ultimate version of Vista is also out of the question as it is signifantly more expensive than Business (the additional codec does not justify the price). Not that any of this is the fault of Stardock, just saying.

Until then, freeware will have to do   


Just my two cents.... linking to start64.com should in no way affect you, as it is them hosting the file. You are just saying the file is attainable there. Now if you hosted the file yourselves, then I could understand how that could possibly cause some issues.

This is off this page: https://www.stardock.com/newsitem.asp?id=1010


Note that the February 2008 is referring to both the free and enhanced versions. Also note, this quote makes a clear distinction between the beta (available to OD subscribers only) and the final release, and that the "February 2008" refers to the full product. It seems that you do indeed have a "firm date".

This is the exact double-talk that gets software development shops in trouble over release dates. You should not commit to any dates. Period. The second you give out any kind of a timeframe, you run the risk of not meeting it. That in itself is not a big deal, it just means some PR person comes out and says something akin to "sorry, we're running late." But denying what's clearly stated on your website (and then dismissing questions with a statement quoted above) is just unprofessional and disrespectful to potential customers by making THEM look stupid instead.

Oh my god, could you people friggin' cry just a wee bit more??? It'll be released when it's released! This isn't some mom-n-pop home-based organization, ya know. It's a corporation, and you folks need to give just a little leeway. SD has alot of fires to stoke, so to speak. If it's not released in Feb., it won't friggin' kill all you freeloaders. Don't like it, buy ObjectDesktop!

A little leeway?
This is probably the same type of VAPORWARE that BootVista became.

And where is the logic in spending 50 bucks,
just to get something that is in fact available as a free version,
OR, costs 20 bucks for some enhancements?

oh, so there's no reason to help support the company you're begging for free software from? SD doesn't owe you anything, and it's awfully nice of them to offer free software for people to use.

As for BootVista...blame Microsoft. If they hadn't made skinning so difficult for Vista, there wouldn't be any problems.

Now here's my question.... would you rather SD release the software before it's ready and just let you deal with it, or would you rather wait a little longer to get a program that is actually usable?

I'd rather they don't give time frames they cannot keep for the sake of some free publicity. About the "buy OD" comment, why would I spend $50 for something that costs $20? ObjectDesktop offers nothing else besides DeskSpaces that I want for my PC. Also, the try-before-you-buy method never hurt anyone.

For people who are not happy with the timing of the release, they should either show a little patience or seek an alternative product elsewhere.

Fuzzy, you state things SO much more politely than I ever possibly could. And people wonder why I don't work in customer service.....

Please SD... hurry up...

PS: I LOVE your softwares...

While I'm disappointed with the fact that Stardock missed their own deadline, I'm glad that they're worried about more than that (i.e. stability, user-friendliness, etc.)

Look what I've started. I must say, "I apologize for where this post has landed, as it was NOT intended to be a bash Stardock and their inability to release Deskscapes in February." As I stated before, I have purchased OD, $50, and can't be happier.

However, it sure isn't wrong for people to want free software. If Stardock was worried about money issues, or not having enough customers, they wouldn't release free software. I can understand why people are anxious, because I often times find myself just starring at a Dream in motion, as it truly is a cool product.

Anyways, maybe we can now start the "It's March 2008, Where is Deskscapes" thread, although I have to say I will not be the OP for that one.

Again, Stardock, you've got my business.