Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Hi, my n900 wont play my video files after update. Here is the strange part, when i try to play video files that was previously recorded with the device it will play them for 6 seconds then stops giving me at yellow message "video format not supported". I have re flashed the device, both the eMMC RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin and RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin. Everything else works fine and if I record new files with the camera they also work.
I have tried to install extra decoders support with same result. I can play every file that i had before on my device for 6 seconds then the error. If I play a format I know is not supported (without the extra decoders) the media player just freezes and the dots just flash back and forth. I then have to reboot my device to get it to work again with the 6 second playback. I have checked the video files on my PC and there is nothing wrong with them. I have a second n900 with the exact same problem. Why is this happening ? Please help. :(

I also have the enhanced Linux kernel for power users installed running the n900 500 - 1000 Mhz but this changed nothing, still same problem.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Which format file do you use

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

mp4 avi 3gp. Mostly mp4 because they seem to play in better sound and picture quality , also the n900 records in mp4 so thats my main format. Have the same problem with xvid files that the phone should support. I will try to make a video and upload that to youtube on whats happening.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Sorry dude Try to do flash again
Here is the procedure to flash the n900 using maemo flasher-3.5.
downlaod meamo flasher-3.5 just type it in google you will find it.
First go to http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php and download
Two files : (1) RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2.004_PR_COMBINED_004_ARM.bin (for flashing)
(2) and if you want to format your emmc then download RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin
The now open meamo flasher-3.5,switch off your mobile and hold u button and plug in the usb your n900 will show you logo of nokia with a usb connected signal, If you want to format your emmc also then type : flasher_3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
Then when it is done don't switch on your n900,
Just type : flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2.004_PR_COMBINED_004_ARM.bin -f -R in the maemo flasher-3.5
Hope this will help

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

This is exactly what i have done already, twice. :( I have used the flasher-3.5 in xp and i have flashed the eMMC, But i have used the "RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin Latest Maemo 5 Global release for Nokia N900 " instead of the "RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2.004_PR_COMBINED_004_ARM.bin Latest Maemo 5 India release for Nokia N900" that you suggested. This because I live in Sweden.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Know the best opinion will be take your n900 to nokia center i think they will solve your problem

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I get the same thing. To me it is also related to 'pausing' as well, if I pause a video file (All formats) it hangs, then tells me it doesn't support the file format (Though it did prior to pausing) Once one file has crashed they all become 'unsupported'. Rebooting resolves everything until I 'pause' or play a 'home taken' video.

I am yet to find a decent replacement player though.

In the meantime I just don't play video files anymore and add it to the list of reasons to hate the phone.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

man

is every things ok without install extra decoder ?

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Have yot tried to copy the videos over to another phone or PC and play them? Maybe the files got nuked. Ideally, send one over BT to another N900.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Here is a youtube video of the problem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3ZxT0w-V9U

Yes i have, the files play perfectly on my pc. I have recopied over the files to my phone several times wothout change. But if I record a video clip with the phone there is no problem playing that. All file transfers are done with usb cable.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I have not installed the extra decoders this time. But I have tried it and that didn't work either, then re flashed the phone again and the eMMC.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

test your video files with install mplayer and km player from repository

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

The only time I got the "video format not supported" error was when playing an mp4 video with very high video bitrate (over 1500).

Impossible as it may seem check out the pre-update recorded vids properties and compare them to the ones you can playback.

Another idea would be to move the vids to another folder or rename them.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

sorry for post again

man .

format your 32 giga with pc

and only copy 1 video and test again

only copy 1 video from pc to your 32 gig


ok ?

and test again

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I love my phone, this is the best smart phone I have seen on the market. I haven't found another smart phone that is as flexible and hackable as the n900 yet. If i had I would simply upgrade. So I hope the good people here can help me and others with this problem.

If your phone work video and all, what configuration do you use? (firmware and what not)

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Tried that :(

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Tried that too :(

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Other people tried that (with earlier firmware i think) I haven't tried that yet, but i REALLY want the standard media player to work, but I will try it and report. It could be a temporary work around until someone finds the bug.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

What if something you have installed or moded interferes with the CPU or voltage that media player needs to playback properly?

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I'm fooling around with it as we speak and I think that it maybe have something to do with the under voltage settings in the power kernel ideal config. I'm tying to find out what the are original. Looking into how to change them and see if that helps.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Hey guys. You really got me thinking. I looked into the under voltage settings and loaded titan's XLV kernel then changed the max frequency to 1000 Mhz and then everything started to work ! :D

This is what I have done.

You have to have both "Enhanced Linux kernel for power users" and "Enhanced Linux kernel for power users (settings)" installed.

Start X teminal
Type:
sudo gainroot
kernel-config load xlv
kernel-config limits - 1000

And if you want this to be permanent type:
kernel-config save myconfig
kernel-config default myconfig

Thank you zifis.
This worked for me and I hope this will help others with similar problems.
I now have a perfect smart phone again. (until a new faster stronger sexier model appear)

Maybe this can help you to love again ! :rolleyes:

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

PR1.3 it says version 20.2010.36-2.002. I tend to update evreything. I also use the standard versions of Mediaplayer, I haven't installed any of the others available. (Kmplayer and the GUI was a very complicated mess when I tried that so I don't touch it now) And I have never reflashed.

For me hacking is secondary, I wanted a full media playback phone, the hacking I have done I have since seen available in the HTC desire anyway. I got it as well to avoid google interference. I just don't care for the really low level coding hacks that people can get away with unless it gives me much needed funcionality like fMMS and OVI maps that work.

I do have extra codecs installed, but appliation manager just crashed again after ten minutes because I checked to see if I do. So I am having to reboot my phone while typing this reply.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Now when I found this problem I have a "stable" (knock on wood) phone and if you are interested I can write down a guide on what I have done to my phone. And I recommend that you re flash your phone because all installed and uninstalled programs makes a unstabile phone over time.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

That would be good if you could tell me what you have done. Anything that promotes stability in this can't be bad. :)

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I take no responsibility if you brick your phone or whatever, This is what I have done, maybe there is a better or more right way witch I will gladly learn if someone think this is wrong in any way. This worked for me and I have done it several times on my own and friends devices.

I have done this with Windows Xp. And when you do this remember this will COMPLETELY reset your phone to factory settings everything will be lost if you haven't done backup. I recommend you to download and install Nokia Ovi Suite and do your backup of contacts and sms from there. I haven't done backup of my mms, if you want to do that you have to search the web because i dont know how frals fMMS store the mms files. Don't use Nokia Ovi Suite to backup files and photos because it takes forever and you can't see what the f--k it's doing. Connect your phone using the usb cable in PC sute mode. Choose the tools menu and backup, uncheck everything that isn't contacts and sms, do the backup in Ovi Suite. Then disconnect usb and connect again in mass storage mode. Now backup everything else such as .video .images DCIM or anything else you want to backup with your choice of file manager. The memory card you simply remove from the phone until done.
Now then when your are done and have a fully loaded battery or at least half:

First login with your IME number (under your battery)
http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php

Download the eMMC file:
RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin
And then download the correct file for your contry. mine is for Europa:
RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin

Then you download the Flasher command line tool here:
maemo_flasher-3.5_2.5.2.2.exe

Save everything in a folder so you know where everything is.

Now simply install the maemo_flasher by klicking on the maemo_flasher-3.5_2.5.2.2.exe file and follow the instructions.

When done you go to the Maemo folder C:\program files\maemo\flasher-3.5\ Copy the two files you downloaded to that folder.
The eMMC file:
"RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin" (same for everyone regardless of the contry you are in)

Then copy the firmware file, in my case it's:
"RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin"

This is done because it's easier to run the flasher with the files in the same folder as the flasher program, you can delete the eMMC file and the firmware file in the program folder when you are done if you want.

Now turn off your phone, wait until you are sure it's done. usually takes 3-5 seconds.
Hold the "u" key on the phone and plug in the usb cable. You can let go of the key when you see the Nokia logo and the little usb symbol up in the upper right corner of the display.
The phone is now in flash mode.

Windows will now automatically detect new hardware and install it. Wait until finished, don't take long.
Open up start menu in windows and choose run, then run "cmd".

Now in the cmd (Windows Command line window) go to your flasher-3.5 folder. Mine are in:
C:\program\maemo\flasher-3.5\

When you are in the right folder type:
flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin -f

The flasher will now flash the eMMC, wait for it.

When done this is important: This worked for me (several times) unplug the usb cable DO NOT TRY TO START THE PHONE UP remove the back cover, remove the battery and wait 5 seconds. Replace battery and cover, again hold down the "u" key and plug in the usb cable and wait for the Nokia logo with the little usb symbol in the upper right corner. Then release the "u" key.

Now in the cmd window on your pc type:
flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
or replace the "RX-51_2009SE_20.2010.36-2_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin" part with the firmware file you have downloaded.

The phone will now flash reboot and startup. You now have a freshly installed operative system.

Part 2: writing it now. ;)

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Part 2:

Now you can go to the Application Manager.
Install the extra repositories, here is a link that explains far better than me on how to get the extra repositories:
http://www.nokian900applications.com...or-nokia-n900/

Install "rootsh"

Optional, you can look at this one too on how to ad a reboot button in power key menu, I found this very useful.
http://my-maemo.com/faq/showquestion...aq=5&fldAuto=2

Optional 2: I use a app thats called "Faster Application Manager" and you install this and use instead of Nokias app handler. I'ts more efficient and faster.

Install "Enhanced Linux kernel for power users v2.6.28-maemo42"

Install "Enhanced Linux kernel for power users (settings) v0.11"

Reboot or restart phone.
Open X terminal and type:
sudo gainroot (press enter)
kernel-config load xlv (press enter)
kernel-config limits - 1000 (press enter)
kernel-config save myconfig (press enter)
kernel-config default myconfig (press enter)

Your phone will now avoid 125 Mhz and work between 250 and 1000 Mhz.
This will be permanent because you saved this settings with the "kernel-config default myconfig" command.

Install "Swappolube v0.4-1"
Start Swappolube and press the button "Proposed" on the left.
Then press "apply" and finally "Store"

You will now hopefully have a happy and stable n900. Hope this have helped you twigleaf1976 and others who have a dodgy phone.

This is some programs I can recommend that I use on my n900 that i find very practical and useful:
fMMS
battery-eye
BlueMaemo
Conky
Theme Customizer
Catorise
Catorise GUI
This one is a bit buggy when you push the test button to test your custom led patterns, but it works and I've used it many times without problems. LED Pattern Editor
eSpeakTime
"This one is VERY useful Flashlight-extra<---- Thanks to Temporal I now now that this program have a nasty bug that adds a "loop" in dbus calling that eats your battery (because it never let the processor stop)."

Hope this have helped. :)

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Oh yeah, don't install the extra decoders support. You rarely need it and I find it to be to buggy. It uses up my battery every time I open up the video folder with media player after I close it. And It crashes a lot on my phone and have always done that reflashed phone or not. I simply get formats that works and use them without extra decoder support.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

When video playing fails, check dmesg for possible dsp-bridge errors.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I found no dsp-bridge errors. But I have fixed the problem now by running titans xlv voltage setting.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I have exactly the same problem that started after recent media player update.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Can I install extra linux stuff without having to reflash? Thank you.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

What do you mean ?
Off course you can install if there is no other problem with the phone. But if your phone is acting up, rebooting draining your battery for now particular reason heating up without you actually using or recharging it then no. If you dont know what the problems are you fix it, if not the easiest way is to reflash both eMMC and firmware and start over installing your programs and scripts one at the time. This way you can exclude witch program started the problem the first time.

I don't recommend continuing to install hack tweek your phone if there is a problem. This often brick your phone. back trace your steps and try to think of what started the problems in the first place.

The beauty of the N900 is you can do anything with it. Anything goes as long as you know what you are doing. I haven't heard of anyone destroying or damage there phone by over-clocking it or changing voltage settings as long you have done your homework and sets any value to a "dangerous" setting.

Hope this answer your question. :)

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

No, my main issue is the update of the Media player. Everything was fine until this upgrade.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

(With a risk of me sounding stupid) :) The stock media player in maemo or are you using another like KMPlayer ? Have you extra decoder pack installed ? Do you have the same problem as I described before ?
A little more info about your n900 and what you have installed like kernel power and if you have over clocked it and I will try to help you.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Thank you, I appreciate your help very much!

I have several players installed, but mostly uses the stock media player that came with N900 to play music and video.

I tried to install it, but kept getting an error message. So even though it did show in the list of installed apps, I deleted it.

I have installed the kernel power yesterday, as per your instructions, however, I did not reflash the phone. The findings: the phone became slightly faster. Some videos played well; but with some the phone hung again. Some of these either play on other players for a while, or don't.

Before I could play the vast majority of videos on the stock media player no problem. Now the phone either hangs or I get a weird message 'can't connect to the server', even though it's a video file.

I blame the recent stock Media Player update; before it everything was fantastic.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

To OP:
As warned by titan and joerg_rw (power kernel and usb-otg respective developers), you should always disable AND say you did any clock risings before any calling for help about "strange behaviours" of the phone applications.
It is not yet seen, but is warned that this >>CAN<< cause permanent damage.

WAIT!!!! I must warn you that flashlight-EXTRA adds a "loop" in dbus calling that eats your battery (because it never let the processor stop).

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I had this problem after reflash with firmware 1.3 with stock settings I then installed power kernel used same settings as pre reflash thinking this would help. It didn't. I then did it again and also flashed the eMMC. The phone worked flawlessly with firmware 1.2 with same configuration the problems started after update. Maybe I forgot something or there was a bug with the new firmware, I had this problem with 2 n900 .Then I asked for help.

Yes you are right, you should always do your homework considering the risks. I would not recommend this settings if I hadn't tried this my self. I had my phone at 1150 MHz using power kernel and titans settings for 3 months, but it got a little to unstable and rebooted to often. I have then used the same settings running it at 1000 MHz for over 6 month and never had any problems except the ones you get installing not fully tested software. My phone isn't damaged (yet) and I also warn people to do what I have done at there own risk.

You are right again, Thank you. This is something a haven't noticed. I have my charger in my car so it gets recharged when I go to work and home again. I also haven't had a battery logging program long enough to notice. Sorry for any problems I may have caused you :(

However I have the solution thanks to dh3x for them who already have installed it.
Just uninstall flashlight-extra wont fix it because the installer won't remove the "flashlight-extra" from /etc/event.d and /etc/init.d
You have to manually deleted these files.
I find this easier with Midnight commander (mc)

Uninstall flashlight-extra and then reboot.
Then start X Terminal write:
sudo gainroot
mc
Then go to /etc/event.d and delete the "flashlight-extra" file from that directory.
Then go to /etc/init.d and delete "flashlight-extra" file.
reboot.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

I also still have problem playing video files if the format is not supported originally by the stock media player. If I try to play a format not supported I get the message "Media format not supported" then it wont play ANY video files. Only thing that seem to fix that again is a reboot.
I only use file formats that are supported and that works for me.
It sound to me that a complete reflash of firmware and eMMC is the way to go with your phone, I don't have enough knowledge of Maemo or Linux to manually set everything right when some program have run havoc with your device. Also it often is a ton of work finding faults and bugs, it's more time saving and less frustrating to just have a clean install and reinstall the programs you know work. As for me I just found out that the Flashlight-extra program had a bug that drains your battery. Luckily the fix was a easy one this time.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

Sorry been on holiday. Will give it a try when I get a spare moment.

Big thanks in advance.

Re: Strange problem playing videofiles on my n900.
 

No problem. :)