Why is my video distorted or not displaying in RealPlayer?

To deliver the best video in the fastest possible way, RealPlayer uses the latest optimized video protocols. Not all video cards or their drivers will function properly with this optimized approach. If a video card or its drivers are incompatible, you may see stretched or snowy video, or no video at all, even if the sound plays perfectly.

Solution 1: Change the video card compatiblity setting

If the sound plays but the screen is black, or if the video appears to play fine while you click and drag the player to a different part of your desktop but then stops, the following steps may resolve the issue:

1. Click the RealPlayer logo and then Preferences.
2. Select Hardware and look in the Video Card Compatibility area.
3. Click and drag the slide bar to Most Reliable. (This will disable optimized video.)
4. Click OK.
5. Attempt to play the video again.

Solution 2: Turn off Compatibility Mode

If your computer is running Windows 7, the problem may be due to a Compatibility Mode setting in Real Player. Here's how to fix this:

1. Click the Windows Start button in the bottom left of your computer screen.
2. Right-click on the RealPlayer icon.
3. Select Properties.
4. Go to the Compatibility tab.
5. Uncheck the box under Compatibility Mode.
6. Click Apply.
7. Click OK.

The next time you start RealPlayer, videos should play correctly.