Playing wmv files?

[Oripierz]

I copied over a load of wmv files that play happily on my Windows 7 PC, with a memory stick. But if I click on them on my Surface I get the message 'format not supported.' This seems strange - any ideas, anyone please?

[gytrr1]

It's probably the codec. I use Aiseesoft to rip/convert my media files to "Xbox HD format" (predefined) but use H.264 as the codec, and save them as MP4's or WMV. All media files ahve worked fine so far.

[Ashley K.]

Most definitely a codec problem, which is unfortunate.

[Oripierz]

Many thanks gytr11 and Ashley for your response. I tried the suggested fix but it didn't quite work; and I wonder why I should need to use a fix anyway, when all I was doing was copying stuff over from a Windows 7 PC! If people have to spend time trying to make their movies work they're going to look elsewhere - I certainly shall, as I imagined that my brand new Surface would be able to play anything I threw at it. What a let-down!

[Ashley K.]

Bummer, sorry to hear it didn't work for you. Maybe VLC will do its best to get an app in the Windows 8 store so that you truly can play everything on your Surface.

[Ashley K.]

Hah! I posted the VLC response yesterday and would you look at that. They've started a Kickstarter campaign to do just what I said they should do. Hopefully this will help you when it's released, OP.

VLC for the new Windows 8 User Experience ("Metro") by VideoLAN — Kickstarter

[Bobtang]

I copied over a load of wmv files that play happily on my Windows 7 PC, with a memory stick. But if I click on them on my Surface I get the message 'format not supported.' This seems strange - any ideas, anyone please?

The reason behind Microsoft’s omission can be speculated and theorized that Microsoft didn’t include Windows Media Player or Windows Media Center in Windows RT. Furthermore, Some WMV files downloaded or purchased from BBC iPlayer, Amazon, Blockbuster, Blu-ray/DVD Digital Copies, wbdigitalcopy, etc. are protected by Microsoft’s DRM system which can be played on the surface rt. I just stumble upon this guide to help your get all wmv files work on your Surface happily, check it out:

How-To: Get Surface RT tablet to play all WMV files effortlessly | Video Tips for Android and iOS

[Ashley K.]

Thanks for the info!