Stuttering on one group of programmes

[Mike_S]

TV-Server Version:
MediaPortal Version: 0.2.2.0
MediaPortal Skin: Blue Two
Windows Version: XP Home SP2
CPU Type: AMD Sempron 3000+
HDD: Maxtor 320GB
Memory: 1GB
Motherboard: Winfast 760G XK8MC
Motherboard Chipset:
Motherboard Bios:
Video Card: Radeon 9600XT
Video Card Driver:
Sound Card: Creative Audigy 4
Sound Card AC3:
Sound Card Driver:
1. TV Card: Pinnacle PCTV dual tuner
1. TV Card Type: DVB-T
1. TV Card Driver:
2. TV Card:
2. TV Card Type:
2. TV Card Driver:
3. TV Card:
3. TV Card Type:
3. TV Card Driver:
4. TV Card:
4. TV Card Type:
4. TV Card Driver:
MPEG2 Video Codec: Nvidia
MPEG2 Audio Codec: Nvidia
Satelite/CableTV Provider:
HTPC Case:
Cooling:
Power Supply:
Remote: Pinnacle
TV:
TV - HTPC Connection:


Hopefully this makes sense to somebody! I have been running MP now for five months. Fantastic... except for one group of programmes where it stutters. Everything else is fine. If I record 2 programmes siimultaneusly on, say, BBC1 and BBC2 then everything records well with no stutters. I can even view a previously recorded programme at the same time - again perfection.

But, if I watch or record an ITV programme, even if it just by itself, it stutters. I have been loaned a set top digital box which provides excellent ITV programmes, it even shows the power and quality of the signal which are both excellent.

The only difference between the ITV channels and the others is that the ITV channels come on MUX 2 which is 64 QAM. The other channels are 16 QAM.

Now, I have to admit that I this is going right over my head. I have not got a clue what this all means except for the following quote: The "16 QAM" mode provide a more reliable signal than a "64 QAM" mode signal at the same power level, but there is a trade-off that means less digital data can be carried. "

So, if the signal is 100% and the quality is 100%, does this mean that I have a duff tuner card? or is MP somehow letting the side down here?

I have changed the video codec to Nvidia as recommended in another part of MP and it improved from being unwatchable to being irritating. I am considering turning off Norton Anti-virus 2006.

Is there anything else I can try?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[ncrukrepairs]

it could be something do with the fact that pc dvb card are somewhat less sensitive than others, try running the attached file and posting the log here, it should give you very detailed information regarding signal strength and quality of each mux

Regards
Alexander Foti

http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/at...1&d=1184535652

[Mike_S]

Thanks for the reply. I was beginning to think nobody knew the answer. I have just downloaded it and will try it out as soon as I can.

[pirlone]

i have similar problem here... skystar2 dvb-s card...
same program works perfectly in mytheatre, no stuttering at all, while in mp it stutters... it's happening always on the same set of channels (ie. Viva Poland on HB 13east, MTV Germany on Astra 19.2east...)
it's been like this for very long time, older version of mp too...
oddly enough, with new .ts filter there isn't any stutter, just blocks occasionally, like it's a bad signal...

rgs,
pirlone

[Mike_S]

I have now managed to get to the PC while the wife is out. I have run ScanChannelsBDA and the log from it is attached. It does look as though Mux2 is a bit low on quality but I would not have thought it waould have made that much difference unless Pinnacle tuners have a problem.

Anyway, I would be grateful if anyone who knows about these things can scan through the log and let me know theoir opinions.

Thanks