What does HRESULT 0x000D1066 (NS_S_WMG_ADVISE_DROP_FRAME) mean?

NS_S_WMG_ADVISE_DROP_FRAME

Windows Media advises dropping a late frame

NS_S_WMG_ADVISE_DROP_FRAME is HRESULT 856166 (0x000D1066) from Windows Media. The documented description is “The timestamp is late compared to the current render position; Advise dropping this frame.” The severity bit indicates a nonfailure result, but the value carries a specific condition that must not be collapsed into plain S_OK.

In the legacy Windows Media pipeline or Player state, this result means that the timestamp is late compared to the current render position; Advise dropping this frame. Acceptance depends on the returned state and outputs, not only on the cleared severity bit.

Where the status is encountered

• Windows Media source, reader, writer, or renderer callbacks; log the exact method and object state instead of interpreting the constant outside that contract.
• Windows Media Player SDK automation; log the exact method and object state instead of interpreting the constant outside that contract.
• Media graph, playlist, image, rights, or buffering state; log the exact method and object state instead of interpreting the constant outside that contract.

Evidence to preserve

• Preserve frame timestamp and current position.
• Preserve measured lateness.
• Preserve drop policy threshold.
• Preserve frame dependency type.
• Preserve audio-video synchronization error.

What must be true before accepting it

Verify that the caller may drop this frame according to quality policy while maintaining synchronization. This check separates a legitimate outcome from code that ignores an incomplete or altered operation.

Before retrying the operation, classify its effects as completed, partial, pending, cancelled, adapted, or terminal.

Correct handling and recovery

Prefer dropping when the lateness exceeds the render budget, but record the decision. If drops accumulate, reduce quality or investigate scheduling and decode latency.

Difference from nearby results

The distinction around it determines whether the caller stops, waits, consumes output, or changes state.

Practical scenario

A video frame arrives slightly late. The renderer drops it under low-latency policy and keeps the next frame aligned with audio.

References

• Microsoft: Windows Media Format SDK error codes — official Microsoft material relevant to this HRESULT.
• Microsoft: Windows Media Player SDK
• Microsoft: Windows Media Player buffering event
• Microsoft: HRESULT values