PowerDirector 365 Useless For Me

KB9OKB

Newbie Joined: Jan 04, 2017 11:02 Messages: 4 Offline

Solved by

Sep 19, 2021 22:16

I have used PowerDirector for years, from version 15, then 17, and I recently subscribed to PowerDirector 365. However, upon installing PowerDirector 365 (20.0.2106.0), as soon as I try to import an MP4 file using HEVC, the activation screen pops up saying "Internet Connection Required. PowerDirector cannot play this media because some components have not yet been activated via the Internet" and yes, I have a stable Internet connection. I've tried it on multiple networks, and on multiple computers, same issue. If I click the "I don't have an Internet connection now" then it prompts me to go to this URL to activate https://www.cyberlink.com/cae//powerdirector/activation?id=506f9082-000 which
is not working / gives a 404 errror.

Without being able to import HEVC content, PowerDirector is useless to me. I reached out to support last week, and have been going back and forth with Radford, who has been worse than useless. I have provided screenshots, described the issue, verified it's not limited to my network, and not limited to this specific PC. The activation URL is simply dead but he won't even acknowlege that the URL isn't working. Can anyone else provide any guidance? I'm about to stop using PowerDirector altogether and cancel my subscription, as right now it's useless to me. Thanks in advance.

optodata

Senior Contributor Location: California, USA Joined: Sep 16, 2011 16:04 Messages: 8630 Offline

Sep 19, 2021 22:36

Not much any of your fellow users can do here, but that URL is clearly malformed as there's a double "//" after "cae." That's not the only issue, though, as deleting the extra "/" still doesn't work so you'd probably still need CL tech support's continued assistance.

I don't know if spending $0.99 on the HEVC codec from the Windows store will help but it's a quick way to bypass the current roadblock.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Sep 19. 2021 23:01

KB9OKB

Newbie Joined: Jan 04, 2017 11:02 Messages: 4 Offline

Sep 19, 2021 22:59

Thank you for your reply. I also noticed the Matthews URL and I tried it with a single / and I also tried http but that redirects to https, so no dice on either count. And I already have the HEVC covered installed in Windows, but that doesn't help within PowerDirector.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Sep 19. 2021 22:59

optodata

Senior Contributor Location: California, USA Joined: Sep 16, 2011 16:04 Messages: 8630 Offline

Sep 19, 2021 23:06

Bummer. I wish there was a solid solution the the "Internet connection required" issue. Lots of posts here and only a few solutions, usually pretty specific to that user's individual situation.

Here's the most recent discussion with some possibly helpful steps. Unfortunately, OP said they'd solved the problem on their end but didn't post back with what they did.

KB9OKB

Newbie Joined: Jan 04, 2017 11:02 Messages: 4 Offline

Sep 19, 2021 23:17

Quote Bummer. I wish there was a solid solution the the "Internet connection required" issue. Lots of posts here and only a few solutions, usually pretty specific to that user's individual situation.

Here's the most recent discussion with some possibly helpful steps. Unfortunately, OP said they'd solved the problem on their end but didn't post back with what they did.

That's interesting. I'm not sure it's related / the same issue though. I did try on two different Windows 10 machines and have the same issue on both. Regardless, the URL not working is purely an issue on Cyberlink's side, as you get a 404 regardless of the client device.

optodata

Senior Contributor Location: California, USA Joined: Sep 16, 2011 16:04 Messages: 8630 Offline

Sep 20, 2021 00:00

Quote That's interesting. I'm not sure it's related / the same issue though. I did try on two different Windows 10 machines and have the same issue on both.

I don't remember having any unresolved HEVC activation issues since I've been using PD (about 10 years), but there's a chance that temporarily setting IE as the default browser might do the trick.

I know other people have had problems with VPNs, firewalls, AV programs and DNS lookups, and I think at least one person got things working by bypassing their ISP by using a mobile hotspot. Bascially, find whatever all the systems you've tried have in common and then use another connection method/app/network and see if you can directly activate your PD installation.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Sep 20. 2021 00:00

Warry

Senior Contributor Location: The Netherlands Joined: Oct 13, 2014 11:42 Messages: 853 Offline

Sep 20, 2021 04:05

I use mp4/HEVC coded video a lot, and so far I did not have any issues using them in PD. I have installed the (free) HEVC codec available in the windows store (Here) and I have also installed the k-lite Codec pack which also has a HEVC reference. Maybe that helps?

LetsRide_IL

Newbie Joined: Mar 10, 2017 01:16 Messages: 40 Offline

Sep 20, 2021 12:35

CL using paying customers as beta or even alpha testers now. My HEVC issue was solved by a workaround by changing to non realtime preview, SVRT still doesn't work for me.

KB9OKB

Newbie Joined: Jan 04, 2017 11:02 Messages: 4 Offline

Sep 20, 2021 12:38

Quote CL using paying customers as beta or even alpha testers now. My HEVC issue was solved by a workaround by changing to non realtime preview, SVRT still doesn't work for me.

Thanks, I just tried that. No dice. Yes, I agree, I'm about to cancel my subscription and switch to another product. Pretty sad.