Odd noise from within system (1 Viewer)

[Cia003]

TV-Server Version:
MediaPortal Version: RC 1.0
MediaPortal Skin: ReVision
Windows Version: Windows XP Pro SP2
CPU Type: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 3.0GHz
HDD: Samsung SpinPoint T166 500GB
Memory: Corsair Value S. PC5300 DDR2 2048MB
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-M61PM-S2, nForce430+GeForce
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 2400 XT 256MB GDDR3,
Video Card Driver: CCC 8.4
Sound Card: Realtek onboard sound card - 7.1
Sound Card AC3:
Sound Card Driver:
1. TV Card: Hauppauge! WinTV-HVR1300, Hybrid Card,
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:
MPEG2 Audio Codec:
h.264 Video Codec:
Satelite/CableTV Provider:
HTPC Case:
Cooling:
Power Supply:
Remote:
TV:
TV - HTPC Connection:


I have a strange noise coming from within my system when in Mediaportal menus. I also hear this noise coming slightly from each of my speakers. Not been able to pinpoint exactly what component the noise is coming from, but i do know its not from any fans. The noise is non existent when i play a movie or watch tv channels. It is also less noticeable when i plug in my usb HDD. (not due to the noise of the HDD overpowering it). The only other time ive been able to replicate said noise is when im in the settings menu for CCC (gfx card settings) and i click on the Avivo Video-> "Basic Quailty" tab. Although not as bad here as when in MP and only lasts for 2 mins or so, whereas when in MP the noise is always constant when in menus.
Also ive noticed that if MP is open, but not the main focus the noise stops until i bring MP back to main focus. (or when screensaver starts)
If anybody could shine some light on this problem it would be great.

Thanks,
Ciaran.

 

[funkstar]

What kind of noise is it?

I can sometimes get a high pitched squeal from my plasma when a very bright static image is being displayed. I think it is actually the power circuits in the panel being over taxed with an overly bright image. I've had it happen on DVD menues and when upening an explorer window full screen in XP.

 

[Cia003]

Sounds like ive a family of crickets living inside the system. Really cant figure this one out.

 

[Marcusb]

these are pretty hard things to fix, I'm afraid.
Try these tests in order:

1) experiment with SpreadSpectrum settings in the BIOS. SS is used to limit interference and may help here.

2) experiment with sound drivers and settings. Maybe upgrade them if possible.

3) As already suggested, make sure the noise is actually from your speakers and not a display issue.

4) it may be an earth issue. Depending on the connections between the PC and speakers. Check all cables are ok. Maybe even change the outlet the PC is plugged in to. This is normally the case for low pitch noises though.

Good luck

 

[rtv]

2) experiment with sound drivers and settings. Maybe upgrade them if possible.

4) it may be an earth issue. Depending on the connections between the PC and speakers. Check all cables are ok. Maybe even change the outlet the PC is plugged in to. This is normally the case for low pitch noises though.

All good hints.

2. Try the sound and network drivers from your motherboard manufactorer. Sometimes the do not use a 100% reference implementation.

4. Most grounding problems can be seen with USB devices - unplug those as well. Especially external brackets / case ports.


Also you mustn't have S-ATA HDDs plugged in but unpowered.

 

[Cia003]

Thanks for the suggestions.

No signs of any SpreadSpectrum settings in my bios it seems.
Updated my sound drivers to the latest available on my mb manufactors website, dont get any sound at all using them, but this noise is still present in MP.
Have had this system stripped down to just the essentials with mb outside the case to try rule out any grounding issues (all done in a room upstairs with different wall socket for power) and no sound cables connected. Still no joy.

 

[boycee]

I have crickets in my system too!

Check your video card, my noise seems to be coming from there. If you adjust your fps (frames per sec) you will find it increases or decrease the frequency of the noise. If you crank it to 60 the think chirp like crazy.

Enable settings plug-in then open MP

Mediaportal-> Plug-in -> settings -> screen set-up-> fps

It makes sense when you click off MP and it stops as the fps are different.

I don't have a solution yet, but maybe some one else has some ideas.

 

[entrecour]

I have what sounds like a similar problem which I have been trying to track down for a while.

In my case although it's very noticable in the MP menus, I also notice it when downloading an internet page in Interner Explorer. I figure it's either interference from my videocard (Asus 8600GT), or interference from the MB (perhaps network componenets). I have all the latest drivers, bios, etc so I am kind of stuck. I was thinking of pluggng in a seperate soundcard or a different graphics card partially out of desperation.

I use SPDIF to a HK receiver.

 

[Cia003]

Yes Boycee you seem to have the same problem as myself. Just increased fps from within MP and the noise goes crazy.

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

OK on ATI cards, in the catalyst settings, is there anything sound related, disable it.

Most probably Spragleknas can give you a more thorough walkthrough, as he's using ATI card, so can access settings i have no knowledge of.

Regards