Do EVO or Desire videos playback on your computer with no sound? You probably need QuickTime
June 9, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka
If there’s one thing universally despised about video, it’s the fact that the tech industry refuses to adopt a standard. Users are constantly forced to deal with codecs being unsupported in one program, and entire formats being unusable on some devices. The latest proof of this point is the HTC EVO 4G.
Videos recorded on the HTC EVO – and other phones from HTC, LG, and Nokia – cannot play on computers that lack the SAMR codec. I first noticed this problem when I tried to play videos recorded on the HTC EVO 4G; I could see images but not hear audio. Searching for a way to solve this led me to HTC Desire and Nokia users reporting the same issue, all saying that they got error messages related to the SAMR codec.
The problem is that SAMR is a proprietary codec and seems to only be accessible if QuickTime is installed on your computer, or if you do some fancy compiling to decode the audio into another format. Sadly, I do everything that I can to avoid using QuickTime and don’t want to take lengthy steps to convert video into a suitable format. I searched for a way to download just the SAMR codec from a trustworthy site and use it to play in Windows Media Player or VLC, but that’s a no-go. (If you’re aware of a way, please speak up). Installing the Windows Essential Media Codec pack didn’t come through for me either, but you can download it and cross your fingers
On the plus side, smartphones can upload directly to YouTube for video sharing. But that doesn’t help people who want to store and play files directly on the computer. Anyone unable to hear sound in video recorded with a smartphone will probably have to install QuickTime. Rats!
![VLC Remote lets you manage audio/video playback on Android [App Reviews]](http://androinica-serve.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/vlc-01.png)
No need to touch the pile of you know what that is Quicktime. Use ffdshow instead, it's open source and supports a myriad of video and audio codecs. It's a DirectShow codec, so it works with WMP and Explorer for thumbnails. http://ffdshow-tryout.sourceforge.net/
VLC should probably work as well.
alternatively, you can use the QIK application for all your video needs and it will store to your device or of course the typical social networks. That should provide you with a workable format.
My recent post Apple WWDC Still Hogging the Spotlight
VLC sadly doesn't work for me, as it too requires the SAMR codec. This is the first time ever VLC didn't get the job done. Qik also isn't an option for me because the quality isn't as strong.
I'm going to uninstall Quicktime and see if Ander's tip works.
Wow, I'm shocked VLC failed. SHOCKED! I do understand the quality loss issue with quick. I suppose it's all about where you plan on distributing it.
Have you tried uploading it to Vimeo and see if that will handle it in all the HD it is? Then it will be published and processed for you behind the scenes.
I'll give it a whirl and see what happens.
My recent post Apple WWDC Still Hogging the Spotlight
It plays back once uploaded to the web on YT, Vimeo, etc. This is more if you want to store it and view locally.
Just get the K Lite codec pack from cnet download, and be done. No Apple crap for me thanks!
I noticed the mpeg and h.263 in the settings and at first I was going to try it with h.263 but that's CLEARLY not HD based on the res noted in the camera.
So, I've uploaded one of the mpeg recordings to Vimeo for a run through.
I'll upload it to YouTube also to see how it processes it (for HD).
I'll post the links when they are done processing.
My recent post Apple WWDC Still Hogging the Spotlight
So, YouTube works… and if you just mail it from your device your set. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68qT7EetbYY&fm...
Since I don't pay for Vimeo I have to wait 30 minutes for it to process. Assuming it works the same thing can be done.
Still a pain, your right, but a nice way to back things up (if important).
My recent post Apple WWDC Still Hogging the Spotlight
and here is the Vimeo one: http://vimeo.com/12439233
I must say, the device shoots pretty nice video.
Next, I'm going to go home and use my lapel mic with it and see how well that works (if at all).
I use to use that setup for close up audio with my Nokia N97 and N95
My recent post Apple WWDC Still Hogging the Spotlight
How do I upload the videos to my computer without going through youtube or any other site, I just want the video itself on my computer…
Connect your computer to the phone via usb
Select "Disk drive" mode from the prompt that comes up
It will then open up a folder with all the files. Navigate to "DCIM" and find your images/video
Drag and drop them to My Documents
I went to Windows Vista Codecs and downloaded the most recent codec for windows vista and xp.