Movies won't play on ipad

[jans45]

I downloaded a movie from iTunes and when I click on the videos icon I see the movie. When I click to play the movie I just get a black screen, totally black. What's happening?

 

[giradman]

Hi Jans - welcome to the forum -

Once you downloaded the movie from iTunes, did you sync your computer w/ iTunes and then transfer the film to your iPad?

 

[jans45]

I synched with pc yesterday, movie downloaded on last Wednesday. I don't think I transferred the movie because I am not sure how that is done. Thanks for your reply.

 

[padnewbie]

Hi Jans,
I had the same thing happen with 2 movies I downloaded. Mine were rented movies - were yours? Once the 24 hour period expired (from the time I started it), everything came back. I didn't try to watch them again because I didn't want it to happen again. I emailed ITunes and they are looking into those movies for problems and they refunded my money. (Xcellent cust svc!!)
I did read something that someone posted (after I went through this) where they went into settings, then Videos and selected "Start from the beginning" and tried again and it worked.
Sorry I don't have better news but just wanted to let you know because I freaked out thinking I wouldn't be able to see videos again.
Good luck...

 

[jans45]

One of the movies was rented and one was purchased. I googled the thing you said about transfer and I tried it but still nothing. Did you use your iPad to download or a pc or Mac? I used my iPad and I'm thinking maybe I should have used my laptop. I really wanted to watch these during a flight. Looks like that's not happening.
Thanks

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

The easiest first way to try to solve ‘unexplained’ or ‘unusual’ problems with the iPad are:-

Force the offending app to close. If you have iOS 4.2 or 4.3 double-press the ‘Home’ button to bring up the multi-task bar at the bottom of the screen. Press *and hold* any icon until they start to ‘jiggle’. Then tap the top left-hand corner of the app that you want to close. It will ‘disappear’ from the list. Don’t panic - you’ve not deleted it, just closed it. Now tap the Home screen and the multi-task bar will disappear. Re-open the iPad’s app and see if the problem has resolved itself. If not, it’s on to possible solution number two!!
Restart the iPad. Press *and hold* the Power button. After a couple of seconds a slider control will appear asking you to confirm that you really want to switch the iPad off (this is all you’ll be doing). Slide the control to accept. A rotating white ‘bezel’ will appear in the iPad screen as the iPad powers down (it takes a few seconds, just like it would if you were shutting down your PC). When the screen of the iPad has gone completely blank, press *and hold* the Power button for a couple of seconds until the white Apple logo appears and the iPad starts to power up. This takes several seconds, so be patient. During the power up the automatic screen orientation function is disabled, so don’t panic. A few seconds before the power up is complete, the iPad plays a little ‘jingle’ and then you’re back to the Home screen. Restart the iPad’s app and see if the problem persists. Apple (and Forum members) recommend that you power down your iPad at least once a week, just as you might regularly completely switch off your PC. The normal procedure of just briefly pressing the Power button of the iPad merely puts it to ‘sleep’. Most Forum members have found that one of the two methods I’ve mentioned here cure a whole bunch of unexplained problems and are an easy first step to resolving most anything that happens on the iPad.

Tim
Scotland

 

[jans45]

Thanks for the advice. Did what you said and I was able to get the play, pause, back and forward to come up. Pushed stop and it is still a black screen. I emailed apple support and asked them but haven't heard anything. At this point I just want my money back.

Thanks again.

 

[gcsimpson]

Same problem. Sound but no video.

 

[gcsimpson]

But only on itune rentals. Netflix plays fine.

 

[Casthom618]

Rented an iTunes movie to watch on an Amtrack train with wifi - directly onto my iPad 3. It is in the video app,but it won't play. Tried all suggestions in the forum & on Apple Support! Cld open it in hotel so thought all was ok. Pls help - this is sooooo frustrating & don't think I'll bother again.