.mkv stutters on one MP, plays on another (1 Viewer)

[mattwakeman]

MediaPortal Version: 0.2.3.0
MediaPortal Skin: Blue2
Windows Version: Win XP SP2
CPU Type: Pentium 4 3Ghz
HDD:
Memory:
Motherboard:
Video Card: Nvidia 6600
Video Card Driver:
Sound Card: Sigmatel High Def Audio

Bit of a strange problem this one. I have a dual-audio .mkv file which will not play smoothly on my main htpc. The audio keeps clicking and stuttering as though it is dragging along (if that makes any sense). So I tried the file on another pc, which is laden down with codec packs and the like, and it played perfectly. Hmm. So back to the original computer and the file plays without any problems in both VLC and media player classic. Does anybody have any ideas as to why this might be the case?

These are the (limited sadly since I am still on 2.3.0 I don't have the use of the debug tool and therefore no watchdog.exe) specs for the pc which won't work. If these aren't sufficient then please let me know and I will try to get more if that would help with any suggestions that people have.

MediaPortal Version: 0.2.3.0
MediaPortal Skin: Xface (but the problem doesn't change if I use Blue2)
Windows Version: Win XP SP2
CPU Type: Amd Athlon 64 X2 Dual
HDD:
Memory:
Motherboard:
Video Card: Nvidia Geforce 6150 Le
Video Card Driver:
Sound Card: Creative SB Audigy 2 Zs

I have been able to play numerous .mkv files on the above system with no problems and obviously it is no big deal since I can still play the files but I am just curious as to why it will play on one system but not another. Appreciate any help that anybody can give me.

Mat

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

Things that can cause this.

Codecs obviously, video\audio drivers also can have adverse effect, so uninstalling and using a driver cleaner like DRIVER SWEEPER, and then reinstall may correct any directx issue.

Uninstall all codecs, run filmerit (link in sig), repair any errors by unlocking the padlock, reinstall codecs.

If above does not work, uninstall codecs, run filmerit, then try installing the Vista Codec Pack (ignore name), this is very good at correcting registry errors for windows in relation to its codecs.

Regards

 

[mattwakeman]

First off all Paranoid Delusion just want to say thanks for your suggestions. I have actually managed to sort out the problem which has a very simple solution (as is often the case) but I am intrigued as to why this happened. What was really annoying me was that the file was playing ok in other programs so I had a look to see just what they were using and when I changed the audio renderer to: default directsound device which was what media player classic was using then the files were perfect and everything else seems to be working just as it was before. When I had the problems MP was being told to use the creative sound card.

So I am happy but can't help but wonder why only these files were affected. Is it because they are dual-audio? Something in the way that they were encoded? No idea but I got there in the end and thanks again mate, nice friendly place here and I am very happy user of MP. : )

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

mattwakeman

As you found never change from the default sound device, this is the main way Windows communicates with codecs, so changing it causes the problems you have seen, and they can get even wierder

SPDIF should be done through windows and codecs, not by altering the default directsound setting in MP.

 

[mattwakeman]

Well, we live and learn and now things are working I will just have to keep repeating the mantra, 'leave it alone...leave it alone'!. Thanks again mate.