IMDb video playback

Do any of you guys know which entry/entries in the MVPS Hosts File are blocking videos from playing on the IMDb site.

Previously it was ad.doubleclick.net, but one of the Hosts File updates has added something else.

I've tried watching the status bar in both Opera and Firefox with the Hosts File disabled, but the names whiz past too fast to catch.

Is there any way to isolate the culprit?

Thanks.

Best way to figure it out in my opinion would be with Firefox using Adblock Plus and Adblock Plus Element Hiding Helper. In Adblock Plus Element Hiding Helper pull it up to see what can be blocked on the page to compile a list.

Does the video flash app load but fail to start, or doesn't load at all??

Is there any way to isolate the culprit?

Run a web server locally (i.e. 24Link) and check the logs for sites that are blocked when you visit imbd.

Richard S.

Sadly it's either ad.doubleclick.com (3 hits per video page) or (more likley)b.scorecardresearch.com (1 hit per video page)

blocked.jpg

Unlikely, I have "b.scorecardresearch.com" blocked (Firebox Adblock) and I can still play video clips.

Richard S.

@ Dennis

For what its worth...

IE8 here, no outside hosts files. Powershadow running.

I couldn't get it to play either. Opens to a blank frame.

Tried to install the latest flash player, didn't work.

DID succeed in installing the google toolbar. Tons of files into the sandbox. :-(

I did get the trailers to play by starting Opera portable sandboxed and installing the latest flash player.

Hat tip to Hazel...4.gif

Had to restart Opera. No windows restart required.

Does the video flash app load but fail to start, or doesn't load at all??

Richard S.

The video window just remains completely dead Richard. Nothing.

As soon a as I disable the hosts file, it works as it should.

@ Dennis

For what its worth...

IE8 here, no outside hosts files. Powershadow running.

I couldn't get it to play either. Opens to a blank frame.

Tried to install the latest flash player, didn't work.

DID succeed in installing the google toolbar. Tons of files into the sandbox. :-(

I did get the trailers to play by starting Opera portable sandboxed and installing the latest flash player.

Hat tip to Hazel...4.gif

Had to restart Opera. No windows restart required.

I'm agog and aghast, and never thought I'd see the day. :lol:

Besides that, your input is interesting. Thanks.

Nergal and Richard:

I'll try the other entry although it appears to not be the guilty party. I'll do it when I get home at the end of the week.

Thanks to you both.

Best way to figure it out in my opinion would be with Firefox using Adblock Plus and Adblock Plus Element Hiding Helper. In Adblock Plus Element Hiding Helper pull it up to see what can be blocked on the page to compile a list.

I'll give that a try on Saturday big man. Thanks.

I'll give that a try on Saturday big man. Thanks.

You may have to temporarily disable the HOSTS file to try it my way, I forgot that bit. Just remember when disabling HOSTS you either have to restart, or Log Off and Log back on.

I can quickly disable the Hosts file with Hostsman, but I always close down my browser to activate the change.

Here are a list of blocked and unblocked hosts:

Blocked:

ad.doublelick.net

b.scorecardresearch.com

ia.media-imdb.com/images/M (but not the entire host)

s0.2mdn.net

www.google-analytics.com

Not Blocked:

aan.amazon.com

i.imdb.com

i.media-imdb.com

ia.media-imdb.com (except /images/M)

s.media-imdb.com

static.ak.fbcdn.net

www.imdb.com

Just compare your host file with what I don't have blocked and see if one of them is stopping the videos from playing.

Also if you change your host file manually you must restart the web browser for changes to take effect.

Richard S.

Just logged on here using Puppy Linux 520. Thats right, Dennis, there is a NEW puppy linux out. Fast as greased lightning. Used Opera browser, the trailers played. Gotta go, sorry to post & run.

Since you're not blocking any hosts why wouldn't videos play in Puppy Linux?? :blink:

Richard S.

He's dangling a tempting download under a downloadaholic's nose methinks. :)

Thanks for those entries Richard, I recognize a couple I've already tried, but a couple I haven't. I'll try them on Saturday and let you know.

Since you're not blocking any hosts why wouldn't videos play in Puppy Linux?? :blink:

Richard S.

Have no idea...not blocking any hosts for windows either but they won't play on windows. Part of that post was to pester Dennis a bit. Part was to suggest that maybe the issue is not with the hosts file...I don't have'em blocked, still won't play. ?? :unsure:

I wonder if it has anything to do with blocking pop-ups? Could be something else to try and disable because I know some sites have to be whitelisted for pop-ups in order for some of their features to even function properly.

I wonder if it has anything to do with blocking pop-ups? Could be something else to try and disable because I know some sites have to be whitelisted for pop-ups in order for some of their features to even function properly.

Thats the answer for me.

With pop up blocker on - video will not play with it off videos play fine

Just logged on here using Puppy Linux 520. Thats right, Dennis, there is a NEW puppy linux out. Fast as greased lightning. Used Opera browser, the trailers played. Gotta go, sorry to post & run.

You had to mention a new Puppy build didn't you? Knowing that I would go and look :) It is fast and the vids do play (although I took this at a jumpy moment)

post-1555-0-42324600-1297950444_thumb.png