Unable to play very old .RAM audio files in MPC-HC due to "cannot render the file" error

Hello.

I am having problems playing back OLD .ram audio files from http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/lifeofants.shtml ... I tried tweaking MPC-HC as shown in http://www.codecguide.com/faq_mpc.htm :

"Q: I suddenly can no longer play .ram files in Media Player Classic. I get a 'cannot render the file' error.
A: Media Player Classic options -> Player -> Formats

Scroll down to 'Real Media File'. Behind it you should see 'RealMedia'. If you see 'DirectShow', then click on it and change it to 'RealMedia'."

However, it didn't work. I have RealAlternative Lite v2.0.2 Lite installed on this 64-bit W7 HPE (IE8) machine as well.

Thank you in advance.

I can't help you with that. Use VLC Player. That will work.

Admin wrote:I can't help you with that. Use VLC Player. That will work.

Oh. So Real's stuff isn't supported in K-Lite Codec Packs? Also, how come FAQ mentions how to fix it?

Normal files are supported just fine. Streams may or may not work. Luckily such streams are almost extinct nowadays.

Admin wrote:Normal files are supported just fine. Streams may or may not work. Luckily such streams are almost extinct nowadays.

Hmm, streaming Real medias should support though.

It is probably due to the fact that you are so stubborn to use the 64-bit version of MPC-HC. Use the 32-bit version from the pack and things might start working again.

Admin wrote:It is probably due to the fact that you are so stubborn to use the 64-bit version of MPC-HC. Use the 32-bit version from the pack and things might start working again.

Sheesh, 64-bit can't do that? Grr. OK, I will try 32-bit. FYI, my old XP Pro. SP3's MPC-HC, with RA Lite, had no problems.

64-bit MPC-HC only works with 64-bit software. And as you have now noticed, many things are only available for 32-bit.

Admin wrote:64-bit MPC-HC only works with 64-bit software. And as you have now noticed, many things are only available for 32-bit.

Ahhh! Thanks. So RA Lite is 32-bit only. Darn.

You can also use mplayer or real alternative to play .ram files

Another way is to convert .ram files to other audio or video formats

Just google search Step by Step Guide on How to Convert RAM to MP3, WAV, WMA, AVI, MP4, WMV?

newwhitepeter wrote:You can also use mplayer or real alternative to play .ram files

Another way is to convert .ram files to other audio or video formats

Just google search Step by Step Guide on How to Convert RAM to MP3, WAV, WMA, AVI, MP4, WMV?

Yeah,but I was hoping Codec Guide's set would already have that without extra players.

The codecs from the pack can only play files. Your sample is a RTSP stream. The solution is simple: stop using 64-bit MPC-HC and use the 32-bit version instead.

VLC Player can also play those files.