Video plays only when refreshed

[mightymid]

I posted a simple link to a .wmv file on one of my pages.

When I click the link, a new (blank) window opens, RealPlayer launches, and a pop-up error appears saying "Window Media player cannot play the file... file is either corrupt or not supported format."

This happens in Firefox (latest updates installed), Netscape and Opera. In these browsers, if I simply refresh the blank window, RealPlayer begins playing the video and all is well. But I don't want users to have to refresh just to play the clip.

Anyone know what causes this to happen?

FWIW, the video plays fine (and without generating a blank page) in IE.

[limbo]

Have you tried validating your code? Sometimes if a problem occurs in FF & Opera and is not evident in IE you might find the html to be out of sync.

[mightymid]

Thanks, limbo, but no luck on that front. Page validates fine.

[travelin cat]

What are you using to creat the .wmv file?

I have seen this happen before when the .wmv file was created on a Mac using Flip4Mac. I had to upgrade to the paid version and it worked fine.

[mightymid]

Hmm... I'm thinking it's not the file. It works fine on other machines. *shrug*

[danimal]

>>>I posted a simple link to a .wmv file on one of my pages.
When I click the link, a new (blank) window opens, RealPlayer launches, and a pop-up error appears saying "Window Media player cannot play the file...<<<

1)do not use realplayer for .wmv... if necessary, point the file associations on your pc to the windows media player instead.

2)firefox does not do activex, so it will never play .wmv, unless you go to in2tv and install the appropriate software.

3)nobody uses netscape and opera, so don't worry about it.

4)if it works in i.e., you are probably o.k. for the vast majority of people on the 'net.