SMPlayer chose cover picture as video track to play

[wind77]

Hi all.

I have a problem with SMPlayer.
I have a video, A.mkv, with relevant mediainfo as follow:

<track type="General">
<UniqueID>83499719228255236377224923723356715235</UniqueID>
<VideoCount>1</VideoCount>
<AudioCount>1</AudioCount>
<TextCount>2</TextCount>
<MenuCount>1</MenuCount>
<FileExtension>mkv</FileExtension>
<Format>Matroska</Format>
<Format_Version>4</Format_Version>
<FileSize>42392599061</FileSize>
<Duration>6188.182</Duration>
<OverallBitRate_Mode>VBR</OverallBitRate_Mode>
<OverallBitRate>54804592</OverallBitRate>
<FrameRate>23.976</FrameRate>
<FrameCount>148368</FrameCount>
<StreamSize>53855200</StreamSize>
<IsStreamable>Yes</IsStreamable>
<Encoded_Date>2021-02-28 09:37:32 UTC</Encoded_Date>
<File_Modified_Date>2021-02-28 09:56:16 UTC</File_Modified_Date>
<File_Modified_Date_Local>2021-02-28 17:56:16</File_Modified_Date_Local>
<Encoded_Application>mkvmerge v53.0.0 (&apos;Fool&apos;s Gold&apos;) 64-bit</Encoded_Application>
<Encoded_Library>libebml v1.4.1 + libmatroska v1.6.2</Encoded_Library>
<Cover>Yes</Cover>
<extra>
<Attachments>cover.jpg</Attachments>
</extra>
</track>
<track type="Video">
<StreamOrder>0</StreamOrder>
<ID>1</ID>
<OriginalSourceMedium_ID>4113</OriginalSourceMedium_ID>
<UniqueID>9234058106455928895</UniqueID>
<Format>HEVC</Format>
<Format_Profile>Main 10</Format_Profile>
<Format_Level>5.1</Format_Level>
<Format_Tier>High</Format_Tier>
<HDR_Format>SMPTE ST 2086</HDR_Format>
<HDR_Format_Compatibility>HDR10</HDR_Format_Compatibility>
<CodecID>V_MPEGH/ISO/HEVC</CodecID>
<Duration>6188.182000000</Duration>
<BitRate>50154895</BitRate>
<Width>3840</Width>
<Height>2160</Height>
<Sampled_Width>3840</Sampled_Width>
<Sampled_Height>2160</Sampled_Height>
<PixelAspectRatio>1.000</PixelAspectRatio>
<DisplayAspectRatio>1.778</DisplayAspectRatio>
<FrameRate_Mode>CFR</FrameRate_Mode>
<FrameRate>23.976</FrameRate>
<FrameRate_Num>24000</FrameRate_Num>
<FrameRate_Den>1001</FrameRate_Den>
<FrameCount>148368</FrameCount>
<ColorSpace>YUV</ColorSpace>
<ChromaSubsampling>4:2:0</ChromaSubsampling>
<ChromaSubsampling_Position>Type 2</ChromaSubsampling_Position>
<BitDepth>10</BitDepth>
<Delay>0.000</Delay>
<Delay_Source>Container</Delay_Source>
<StreamSize>38795952313</StreamSize>
<Default>Yes</Default>
<Forced>No</Forced>
<colour_description_present>Yes</colour_description_present>
<colour_description_present_Source>Stream</colour_description_present_Source>
<colour_range>Limited</colour_range>
<colour_range_Source>Stream</colour_range_Source>
<colour_primaries>BT.2020</colour_primaries>
<colour_primaries_Source>Stream</colour_primaries_Source>
<transfer_characteristics>PQ</transfer_characteristics>
<transfer_characteristics_Source>Stream</transfer_characteristics_Source>
<matrix_coefficients>BT.2020 non-constant</matrix_coefficients>
<matrix_coefficients_Source>Stream</matrix_coefficients_Source>
<MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries>Display P3</MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries>
<MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries_Source>Stream</MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries_Source>
<MasteringDisplay_Luminance>min: 0.0050 cd/m2, max: 4000 cd/m2</MasteringDisplay_Luminance>
<MasteringDisplay_Luminance_Source>Stream</MasteringDisplay_Luminance_Source>
<MaxCLL>1636 cd/m2</MaxCLL>
<MaxCLL_Source>Stream</MaxCLL_Source>
<MaxFALL>278 cd/m2</MaxFALL>
<MaxFALL_Source>Stream</MaxFALL_Source>
<extra>
<OriginalSourceMedium>Blu-ray</OriginalSourceMedium>
</extra>
</track>

As above, there is 1 video track and 1 cover picture.
When play in SMPlayer, the video track in A.mkv is selected, and the playback proceeds with no issue.

Now, I remuxed this A.mkv with another source - basically just swapped the video track, and changed nothing else.
The output, B.mkv, has relevant mediainfo as follow:

<track type="General">
<UniqueID>79697547662119592402432274895247859428</UniqueID>
<VideoCount>1</VideoCount>
<AudioCount>1</AudioCount>
<TextCount>2</TextCount>
<MenuCount>1</MenuCount>
<FileExtension>mkv</FileExtension>
<Format>Matroska</Format>
<Format_Version>4</Format_Version>
<FileSize>42434326470</FileSize>
<Duration>6188.183</Duration>
<OverallBitRate_Mode>VBR</OverallBitRate_Mode>
<OverallBitRate>54858528</OverallBitRate>
<FrameRate>23.976</FrameRate>
<FrameCount>148368</FrameCount>
<StreamSize>53856094</StreamSize>
<IsStreamable>Yes</IsStreamable>
<Encoded_Date>2024-11-09 15:57:59 UTC</Encoded_Date>
<File_Modified_Date>2024-11-09 16:25:09 UTC</File_Modified_Date>
<File_Modified_Date_Local>2024-11-10 00:25:09</File_Modified_Date_Local>
<Encoded_Application>mkvmerge v88.0 (&apos;All I Know&apos;) 64-bit</Encoded_Application>
<Encoded_Library>libebml v1.4.5 + libmatroska v1.7.1</Encoded_Library>
<Cover>Yes</Cover>
<extra>
<Attachments>cover.jpg</Attachments>
</extra>
</track>
<track type="Video">
<StreamOrder>0</StreamOrder>
<ID>1</ID>
<UniqueID>9234058106455928895</UniqueID>
<Format>HEVC</Format>
<Format_Profile>Main 10</Format_Profile>
<Format_Level>5.1</Format_Level>
<Format_Tier>High</Format_Tier>
<HDR_Format>Dolby Vision / SMPTE ST 2094 App 4</HDR_Format>
<HDR_Format_Version>1.0 / 1</HDR_Format_Version>
<HDR_Format_Profile>dvhe.08 / </HDR_Format_Profile>
<HDR_Format_Level>06 / </HDR_Format_Level>
<HDR_Format_Settings>BL+RPU / </HDR_Format_Settings>
<HDR_Format_Compression>None / </HDR_Format_Compression>
<HDR_Format_Compatibility>HDR10 / HDR10+ Profile B</HDR_Format_Compatibility>
<CodecID>V_MPEGH/ISO/HEVC</CodecID>
<Duration>6188.182000000</Duration>
<BitRate>50208838</BitRate>
<Width>3840</Width>
<Height>2160</Height>
<Sampled_Width>3840</Sampled_Width>
<Sampled_Height>2160</Sampled_Height>
<PixelAspectRatio>1.000</PixelAspectRatio>
<DisplayAspectRatio>1.778</DisplayAspectRatio>
<FrameRate_Mode>CFR</FrameRate_Mode>
<FrameRate>23.976</FrameRate>
<FrameRate_Num>24000</FrameRate_Num>
<FrameRate_Den>1001</FrameRate_Den>
<FrameCount>148368</FrameCount>
<ColorSpace>YUV</ColorSpace>
<ChromaSubsampling>4:2:0</ChromaSubsampling>
<ChromaSubsampling_Position>Type 2</ChromaSubsampling_Position>
<BitDepth>10</BitDepth>
<Delay>0.000</Delay>
<Delay_Source>Container</Delay_Source>
<StreamSize>38837678828</StreamSize>
<Default>Yes</Default>
<Forced>No</Forced>
<colour_description_present>Yes</colour_description_present>
<colour_description_present_Source>Stream</colour_description_present_Source>
<colour_range>Limited</colour_range>
<colour_range_Source>Stream</colour_range_Source>
<colour_primaries>BT.2020</colour_primaries>
<colour_primaries_Source>Stream</colour_primaries_Source>
<transfer_characteristics>PQ</transfer_characteristics>
<transfer_characteristics_Source>Stream</transfer_characteristics_Source>
<matrix_coefficients>BT.2020 non-constant</matrix_coefficients>
<matrix_coefficients_Source>Stream</matrix_coefficients_Source>
<MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries>Display P3</MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries>
<MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries_Source>Stream</MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries_Source>
<MasteringDisplay_Luminance>min: 0.0050 cd/m2, max: 4000 cd/m2</MasteringDisplay_Luminance>
<MasteringDisplay_Luminance_Source>Stream</MasteringDisplay_Luminance_Source>
<MaxCLL>1636 cd/m2</MaxCLL>
<MaxCLL_Source>Stream</MaxCLL_Source>
<MaxFALL>278 cd/m2</MaxFALL>
<MaxFALL_Source>Stream</MaxFALL_Source>
</track>

When B.mkv is played with SMPlayer, SMPlayer would use the Cover.jpg as video track, and the whole playback would proceed with static Cover.jpg (sound and subtitle still run as normal).
Using VLC would not encounter this issue.

This issue is persistent, ONLY if i use remux videos coming from a single source, ie. when I remux from other sources, no such problem.

Looking at the mediainfo of the 2 videos, I couldn’t identify the cause.

Anyone can assist?

[BG405]

Which program did you use for the remux? (e.g. KDEnlive?) — you might need to convert the replacement video to the same format as the original for this to work, but the one I mentioned should handle that?

[wind77]

@BG405

Which program did you use for the remux?

I used MKVToolNixGUI.
I’m doing a remux, not a rip, so no conversion of video track was performed.

And I wanna emphasize that:
When I remux using videos from other sources, I never encounter such issue.
This issue only happen to 1 particular video source - all videos from this source produce same issue.

[BG405]

This is why I think you’ll need to re-encode the videos from that source. There are significant differences between those outputs; I’ll have a look using meld a bit later.

[wind77]

@BG405

This is why I think you’ll need to re-encode the videos from that source.

errr… I’m doing a remux, not a rip.
The differences are the primary reason why I swapped the video tracks.

[BG405]

I should have asked … does the new source video play normally, beforehand? It’s only after the remux?

[wind77]

@BG405

does the new source video play normally, beforehand? It’s only after the remux?

The new source video, lets say B0.mkv, also uses its own cover picture as video track.

Below is the relevant mediainfo of B0.mkv:

<track type="General">
<UniqueID>190611923515035518364927603434323897553</UniqueID>
<VideoCount>1</VideoCount>
<AudioCount>15</AudioCount>
<TextCount>34</TextCount>
<MenuCount>1</MenuCount>
<FileExtension>mkv</FileExtension>
<Format>Matroska</Format>
<Format_Version>4</Format_Version>
<FileSize>52586011797</FileSize>
<Duration>6188.201</Duration>
<OverallBitRate_Mode>VBR</OverallBitRate_Mode>
<OverallBitRate>67982293</OverallBitRate>
<FrameRate>23.976</FrameRate>
<FrameCount>148368</FrameCount>
<IsStreamable>Yes</IsStreamable>
<Encoded_Date>2024-11-08 03:31:19 UTC</Encoded_Date>
<File_Modified_Date>2024-11-08 17:42:40 UTC</File_Modified_Date>
<File_Modified_Date_Local>2024-11-09 01:42:40</File_Modified_Date_Local>
<Encoded_Application>mkvmerge v88.0 (&apos;All I Know&apos;) 64-bit</Encoded_Application>
<Encoded_Library>libebml v1.4.5 + libmatroska v1.7.1</Encoded_Library>
<extra>
<Attachments>TORRENTS .jpg</Attachments>
</extra>
</track>
<track type="Video">
<StreamOrder>0</StreamOrder>
<ID>1</ID>
<UniqueID>15674195007934840659</UniqueID>
<Format>HEVC</Format>
<Format_Profile>Main 10</Format_Profile>
<Format_Level>5.1</Format_Level>
<Format_Tier>High</Format_Tier>
<HDR_Format>Dolby Vision / SMPTE ST 2094 App 4</HDR_Format>
<HDR_Format_Version>1.0 / 1</HDR_Format_Version>
<HDR_Format_Profile>dvhe.08 / </HDR_Format_Profile>
<HDR_Format_Level>06 / </HDR_Format_Level>
<HDR_Format_Settings>BL+RPU / </HDR_Format_Settings>
<HDR_Format_Compression>None / </HDR_Format_Compression>
<HDR_Format_Compatibility>HDR10 / HDR10+ Profile B</HDR_Format_Compatibility>
<CodecID>V_MPEGH/ISO/HEVC</CodecID>
<Duration>6188.182000000</Duration>
<BitRate>50208838</BitRate>
<Width>3840</Width>
<Height>2160</Height>
<Sampled_Width>3840</Sampled_Width>
<Sampled_Height>2160</Sampled_Height>
<PixelAspectRatio>1.000</PixelAspectRatio>
<DisplayAspectRatio>1.778</DisplayAspectRatio>
<FrameRate_Mode>CFR</FrameRate_Mode>
<FrameRate>23.976</FrameRate>
<FrameRate_Num>24000</FrameRate_Num>
<FrameRate_Den>1001</FrameRate_Den>
<FrameCount>148368</FrameCount>
<ColorSpace>YUV</ColorSpace>
<ChromaSubsampling>4:2:0</ChromaSubsampling>
<ChromaSubsampling_Position>Type 2</ChromaSubsampling_Position>
<BitDepth>10</BitDepth>
<Delay>0.000</Delay>
<Delay_Source>Container</Delay_Source>
<StreamSize>38837678828</StreamSize>
<Language>en</Language>
<Default>Yes</Default>
<Forced>Yes</Forced>
<colour_description_present>Yes</colour_description_present>
<colour_description_present_Source>Stream</colour_description_present_Source>
<colour_range>Limited</colour_range>
<colour_range_Source>Stream</colour_range_Source>
<colour_primaries>BT.2020</colour_primaries>
<colour_primaries_Source>Stream</colour_primaries_Source>
<transfer_characteristics>PQ</transfer_characteristics>
<transfer_characteristics_Source>Stream</transfer_characteristics_Source>
<matrix_coefficients>BT.2020 non-constant</matrix_coefficients>
<matrix_coefficients_Source>Stream</matrix_coefficients_Source>
<MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries>Display P3</MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries>
<MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries_Source>Stream</MasteringDisplay_ColorPrimaries_Source>
<MasteringDisplay_Luminance>min: 0.0050 cd/m2, max: 4000 cd/m2</MasteringDisplay_Luminance>
<MasteringDisplay_Luminance_Source>Stream</MasteringDisplay_Luminance_Source>
<MaxCLL>1636 cd/m2</MaxCLL>
<MaxCLL_Source>Stream</MaxCLL_Source>
<MaxFALL>278 cd/m2</MaxFALL>
<MaxFALL_Source>Stream</MaxFALL_Source>
</track>

Do note that the UniqueID for video track of B.mkv is different from that of B0.mkv, because I have manually edited it, as part of my troubleshooting effort.

[BG405]

I’m thinking it’s a missing codec in smplayer, maybe particularly related to the HDR stuff I see in the second output, but I’ve found it plays everything I’ve thrown at it so far. I’d be interested to try that video myself, but don’t know how you would send it? ← Also, I don’t have HDR support on my systems.

One thing to try: if you remove the cover.jpg does this result in a black screen or the “collapsed” smplayer window (audio-only)?

[cscs]

It wouldnt be smplayer having a codec or not - its just a frontend.

As a frontend for a real player like mplayer or mpv it would be that software to consider - but I likewise would be surprised by just about anything that could not be played on mpv.

… and I just realized this thread is in the Snap/Flatpak category. That does bring some wrinkles.
Like - are these player backends included in the SNAP or Flatpak? And which is it, a SNAP or Flatpak? And/or do you likewise have any of the backends installed via Snap/Flatpak? And/Or is the SNAP/Flatpak configured to have access to the filesystem or libraries or backend?

[wind77]

@BG405

if you remove the cover.jpg does this result in a black screen or the “collapsed” smplayer window (audio-only)?

The next available video track, ie. the actual video track, would be played.
This I have also tried.

@BG405

I’m thinking it’s a missing codec in smplayer

SMPlayer would auto-select Cover Picture as video track to play, is the issue.
Such behaviour is not observed in VLC.
But the fact that in B.mkv, if the actual video track is manually selected to play, SMPlayer would still play it normally, seems to suggest that it is not the codec issue.

@BG405

I’d be interested to try that video myself, but don’t know how you would send it?

I will PM you the link.

[wind77]

@cscs

And which is it, a SNAP or Flatpak?

It is Flatpak, Version: 24.5.0 (revision 10277)

@cscs

And/or do you likewise have any of the backends installed via Snap/Flatpak?

I have not installed any backends separately.
My understanding is that Flatpak would have all necessary components installed.
And the fact that it can play the videos also supportive of this understanding.

Again, let me emphasize:

@wind77

SMPlayer would auto-select Cover Picture as video track to play, is the issue.

SMPlayer has no issue to playback the actual video track.

[wind77]

@soundofthunder

My guess (and it’s only a guess) is that you might have inadvertently clicked the image as the default track.

This, I can confirm it is not.
All those videos from this single source are having same issue - when double click to launch in Dolphin, SMPlayer always select the Cover Picture as video track to display.

@soundofthunder

perhaps a similar misconfiguration in MKVToolNix.

I did suspect this, and when I checked mediainfo: Cover Picture was not selected as default track, and I did not see anything that suggest so.
In fact, in MKVToolNix, there is no option to do this too.

[wind77]

@soundofthunder

In fact, there is.

I was referring to “setting a Cover Picture as default video track”, which was in response to:

@soundofthunder

clicked the image as the default track

As for setting up a video / audio / subtitle track as Default, yes, I’m aware of how to do it.
But this is irrelevant in this discussion, right?

[soundofthunder]

So, the other comments were of no use to you?
Then, I can only withdraw any irrelevancies, and wish you luck.