Audio and Video Problems in Windows Media Center

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve Winograd
  • Start date Start date
S

Steve Winograd

Hi Everyone,

I have a problem with Windows Media Center on my Vista Ultimate x64
system (4 GB RAM), using an AVerMedia M791 PCIe Combo NTSC/ATSC tuner
with Comcast analog cable.

Every few days, something goes wrong when I record a program or watch
live TV. On playback, the audio stutters and skips and is out of sync
with the video. The video is broken up. showing parts of different
frames simultaneously. Sometimes, a large part of the picture is
solid green.

A program recorded at 7 PM might have the problem, while one recorded
at 9 PM the same night is fine.

When live TV is having the problem, closing and re-opening Windows
Media Center usually fixes it. Sometimes, a reboot is required.

I haven't seen the problem on my 32-bit XP MCE system or on my regular
TV set.

Any suggestions of how to fix it?
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
Steve,
Did you check event viewer in order to see if there is something logged in
those moments you had the problem?
Is this a new problem or has it been there since the very beginning?
Have you updated sound/video drivers/decoders lately?
Could your CPU being overheating?
:)
Carlos

"Steve Winograd" wrote:

> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have a problem with Windows Media Center on my Vista Ultimate x64
> system (4 GB RAM), using an AVerMedia M791 PCIe Combo NTSC/ATSC tuner
> with Comcast analog cable.
>
> Every few days, something goes wrong when I record a program or watch
> live TV. On playback, the audio stutters and skips and is out of sync
> with the video. The video is broken up. showing parts of different
> frames simultaneously. Sometimes, a large part of the picture is
> solid green.
>
> A program recorded at 7 PM might have the problem, while one recorded
> at 9 PM the same night is fine.
>
> When live TV is having the problem, closing and re-opening Windows
> Media Center usually fixes it. Sometimes, a reboot is required.
>
> I haven't seen the problem on my 32-bit XP MCE system or on my regular
> TV set.
>
> Any suggestions of how to fix it?
> --
> Best Wishes,
> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
>
> Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>
 
On Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:56:07 -0700, Carlos
<Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>> I have a problem with Windows Media Center on my Vista Ultimate x64
>> system (4 GB RAM), using an AVerMedia M791 PCIe Combo NTSC/ATSC tuner
>> with Comcast analog cable.
>>
>> Every few days, something goes wrong when I record a program or watch
>> live TV. On playback, the audio stutters and skips and is out of sync
>> with the video. The video is broken up. showing parts of different
>> frames simultaneously. Sometimes, a large part of the picture is
>> solid green.
>>
>> A program recorded at 7 PM might have the problem, while one recorded
>> at 9 PM the same night is fine.
>>
>> When live TV is having the problem, closing and re-opening Windows
>> Media Center usually fixes it. Sometimes, a reboot is required.
>>
>> I haven't seen the problem on my 32-bit XP MCE system or on my regular
>> TV set.
>>
>> Any suggestions of how to fix it?
>
>Steve,
>Did you check event viewer in order to see if there is something logged in
>those moments you had the problem?
>Is this a new problem or has it been there since the very beginning?
>Have you updated sound/video drivers/decoders lately?
>Could your CPU being overheating?
>:)
>Carlos

Thanks for your reply, Carlos. I haven't found anything useful in
event viewer. The problem has been around since I set up the
computer, and I haven't updated any drivers lately. The CPU and case
fans are running, and I haven't noticed any system hangs or other
signs of overheating.

I might have found a solution. I removed one of the four 1 GB RAM
modules several days ago, and recorded TV and live TV have worked fine
since then. Perhaps that module is defective, or the TV tuner driver
or Windows Media Center can't handle 4 GB.

The computer seems to be running as fast (or faster!) with 3 GB as it
did with 4 GB.

Any thoughts?
--
Thanks,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
It is more likely that the memory controller is right at the edge of its
ability to handle the fouth dimm slot at the speed of your memory. You can
try increasing the dram voltage in the BIOS by 0.1 v (no more) and/or
dropping the dram speed some. This is a common problem with consumer mobos.
A lot can't handle all four slots filled at the highest memory speed rating
listed for the board. Like with all engineering challenges, a lot of
compromises have to be made.

"Steve Winograd" <bc070521m@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:ecpv54lhdsa9jfh990jgg9q0l3htbqpdk4@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:56:07 -0700, Carlos
> <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
>>> I have a problem with Windows Media Center on my Vista Ultimate x64
>>> system (4 GB RAM), using an AVerMedia M791 PCIe Combo NTSC/ATSC tuner
>>> with Comcast analog cable.
>>>
>>> Every few days, something goes wrong when I record a program or watch
>>> live TV. On playback, the audio stutters and skips and is out of sync
>>> with the video. The video is broken up. showing parts of different
>>> frames simultaneously. Sometimes, a large part of the picture is
>>> solid green.
>>>
>>> A program recorded at 7 PM might have the problem, while one recorded
>>> at 9 PM the same night is fine.
>>>
>>> When live TV is having the problem, closing and re-opening Windows
>>> Media Center usually fixes it. Sometimes, a reboot is required.
>>>
>>> I haven't seen the problem on my 32-bit XP MCE system or on my regular
>>> TV set.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions of how to fix it?
>>
>>Steve,
>>Did you check event viewer in order to see if there is something logged in
>>those moments you had the problem?
>>Is this a new problem or has it been there since the very beginning?
>>Have you updated sound/video drivers/decoders lately?
>>Could your CPU being overheating?
>>:)
>>Carlos
>
> Thanks for your reply, Carlos. I haven't found anything useful in
> event viewer. The problem has been around since I set up the
> computer, and I haven't updated any drivers lately. The CPU and case
> fans are running, and I haven't noticed any system hangs or other
> signs of overheating.
>
> I might have found a solution. I removed one of the four 1 GB RAM
> modules several days ago, and recorded TV and live TV have worked fine
> since then. Perhaps that module is defective, or the TV tuner driver
> or Windows Media Center can't handle 4 GB.
>
> The computer seems to be running as fast (or faster!) with 3 GB as it
> did with 4 GB.
>
> Any thoughts?
> --
> Thanks,
> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
>
> Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
Colin,
Yesterday a friend of mine asked me to help him install Vista Ultimate x64
on his brand new quad-core PC with 4 gigs of RAM (2 sticks).
As per many recommendations I removed 1 stick and proceeded to install Vista
with 2 gigs uneventfully.
After a successfull installation I turned the machine off and placed back
the removed stick.
Blue screen during reboot!
Restart again, go to BIOS setup, reduce memory speed from 800 MHz to 667 MHz
as you have adviced many times.
Reboot, no problems and Vista is happy with its 4 gigs of RAM.
Maybe Steve just needs to slow down the memory a bit so that he can use the
full 4 gigabytes!

Carlos

"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> It is more likely that the memory controller is right at the edge of its
> ability to handle the fouth dimm slot at the speed of your memory. You can
> try increasing the dram voltage in the BIOS by 0.1 v (no more) and/or
> dropping the dram speed some. This is a common problem with consumer mobos.
> A lot can't handle all four slots filled at the highest memory speed rating
> listed for the board. Like with all engineering challenges, a lot of
> compromises have to be made.
>
> "Steve Winograd" <bc070521m@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:ecpv54lhdsa9jfh990jgg9q0l3htbqpdk4@4ax.com...
> > On Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:56:07 -0700, Carlos
> > <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> >
> >>> I have a problem with Windows Media Center on my Vista Ultimate x64
> >>> system (4 GB RAM), using an AVerMedia M791 PCIe Combo NTSC/ATSC tuner
> >>> with Comcast analog cable.
> >>>
> >>> Every few days, something goes wrong when I record a program or watch
> >>> live TV. On playback, the audio stutters and skips and is out of sync
> >>> with the video. The video is broken up. showing parts of different
> >>> frames simultaneously. Sometimes, a large part of the picture is
> >>> solid green.
> >>>
> >>> A program recorded at 7 PM might have the problem, while one recorded
> >>> at 9 PM the same night is fine.
> >>>
> >>> When live TV is having the problem, closing and re-opening Windows
> >>> Media Center usually fixes it. Sometimes, a reboot is required.
> >>>
> >>> I haven't seen the problem on my 32-bit XP MCE system or on my regular
> >>> TV set.
> >>>
> >>> Any suggestions of how to fix it?
> >>
> >>Steve,
> >>Did you check event viewer in order to see if there is something logged in
> >>those moments you had the problem?
> >>Is this a new problem or has it been there since the very beginning?
> >>Have you updated sound/video drivers/decoders lately?
> >>Could your CPU being overheating?
> >>:)
> >>Carlos
> >
> > Thanks for your reply, Carlos. I haven't found anything useful in
> > event viewer. The problem has been around since I set up the
> > computer, and I haven't updated any drivers lately. The CPU and case
> > fans are running, and I haven't noticed any system hangs or other
> > signs of overheating.
> >
> > I might have found a solution. I removed one of the four 1 GB RAM
> > modules several days ago, and recorded TV and live TV have worked fine
> > since then. Perhaps that module is defective, or the TV tuner driver
> > or Windows Media Center can't handle 4 GB.
> >
> > The computer seems to be running as fast (or faster!) with 3 GB as it
> > did with 4 GB.
> >
> > Any thoughts?
> > --
> > Thanks,
> > Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
> >
> > Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
> > http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>
 
I am almost certain you are right, but he did not give the specs. Since his
rig is so close to handling things with four sticks, I would like to see him
up the voltage slightly first. That my resolve it.

As an engineer you know all about the real estate problem (electrical
distance to and from the furthest slot) and the dram voltage and frequency.
It is all about the physics. Sometimes it is like trying to get two pounds
of peanuts in a one pound bag. :)

It is a shame Vista came along just when these hardware issues were
appearing because the common misperception is that Vista that can't handle
x-amount of ram. And then throw in all the misunderstanding about x86 and
BIOSs setting up memory-mapped IO and Vista is really getting it in the neck
for absolutely no good reason.

"Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:AF268F1F-7715-4C56-8494-8BD9DA57A5AC@microsoft.com...
> Colin,
> Yesterday a friend of mine asked me to help him install Vista Ultimate x64
> on his brand new quad-core PC with 4 gigs of RAM (2 sticks).
> As per many recommendations I removed 1 stick and proceeded to install
> Vista
> with 2 gigs uneventfully.
> After a successfull installation I turned the machine off and placed back
> the removed stick.
> Blue screen during reboot!
> Restart again, go to BIOS setup, reduce memory speed from 800 MHz to 667
> MHz
> as you have adviced many times.
> Reboot, no problems and Vista is happy with its 4 gigs of RAM.
> Maybe Steve just needs to slow down the memory a bit so that he can use
> the
> full 4 gigabytes!
>
> Carlos
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>
>> It is more likely that the memory controller is right at the edge of its
>> ability to handle the fouth dimm slot at the speed of your memory. You
>> can
>> try increasing the dram voltage in the BIOS by 0.1 v (no more) and/or
>> dropping the dram speed some. This is a common problem with consumer
>> mobos.
>> A lot can't handle all four slots filled at the highest memory speed
>> rating
>> listed for the board. Like with all engineering challenges, a lot of
>> compromises have to be made.
>>
>> "Steve Winograd" <bc070521m@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:ecpv54lhdsa9jfh990jgg9q0l3htbqpdk4@4ax.com...
>> > On Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:56:07 -0700, Carlos
>> > <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >>> I have a problem with Windows Media Center on my Vista Ultimate x64
>> >>> system (4 GB RAM), using an AVerMedia M791 PCIe Combo NTSC/ATSC tuner
>> >>> with Comcast analog cable.
>> >>>
>> >>> Every few days, something goes wrong when I record a program or watch
>> >>> live TV. On playback, the audio stutters and skips and is out of
>> >>> sync
>> >>> with the video. The video is broken up. showing parts of different
>> >>> frames simultaneously. Sometimes, a large part of the picture is
>> >>> solid green.
>> >>>
>> >>> A program recorded at 7 PM might have the problem, while one recorded
>> >>> at 9 PM the same night is fine.
>> >>>
>> >>> When live TV is having the problem, closing and re-opening Windows
>> >>> Media Center usually fixes it. Sometimes, a reboot is required.
>> >>>
>> >>> I haven't seen the problem on my 32-bit XP MCE system or on my
>> >>> regular
>> >>> TV set.
>> >>>
>> >>> Any suggestions of how to fix it?
>> >>
>> >>Steve,
>> >>Did you check event viewer in order to see if there is something logged
>> >>in
>> >>those moments you had the problem?
>> >>Is this a new problem or has it been there since the very beginning?
>> >>Have you updated sound/video drivers/decoders lately?
>> >>Could your CPU being overheating?
>> >>:)
>> >>Carlos
>> >
>> > Thanks for your reply, Carlos. I haven't found anything useful in
>> > event viewer. The problem has been around since I set up the
>> > computer, and I haven't updated any drivers lately. The CPU and case
>> > fans are running, and I haven't noticed any system hangs or other
>> > signs of overheating.
>> >
>> > I might have found a solution. I removed one of the four 1 GB RAM
>> > modules several days ago, and recorded TV and live TV have worked fine
>> > since then. Perhaps that module is defective, or the TV tuner driver
>> > or Windows Media Center can't handle 4 GB.
>> >
>> > The computer seems to be running as fast (or faster!) with 3 GB as it
>> > did with 4 GB.
>> >
>> > Any thoughts?
>> > --
>> > Thanks,
>> > Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
>> >
>> > Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
>> > http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>>
 
On Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:27:35 -0600, "Colin Barnhorst"
<c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote:

>> [snip]
>> I might have found a solution. I removed one of the four 1 GB RAM
>> modules several days ago, and recorded TV and live TV have worked fine
>> since then. Perhaps that module is defective, or the TV tuner driver
>> or Windows Media Center can't handle 4 GB.
>>
>> The computer seems to be running as fast (or faster!) with 3 GB as it
>> did with 4 GB.
>>
>> Any thoughts?
>
>It is more likely that the memory controller is right at the edge of its
>ability to handle the fouth dimm slot at the speed of your memory. You can
>try increasing the dram voltage in the BIOS by 0.1 v (no more) and/or
>dropping the dram speed some. This is a common problem with consumer mobos.
>A lot can't handle all four slots filled at the highest memory speed rating
>listed for the board. Like with all engineering challenges, a lot of
>compromises have to be made.

Thanks for the suggestion, Colin. I'll look into this in a few days
and report what I find.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
On Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:10:04 -0700, Carlos
<Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Colin,
>Yesterday a friend of mine asked me to help him install Vista Ultimate x64
>on his brand new quad-core PC with 4 gigs of RAM (2 sticks).
>As per many recommendations I removed 1 stick and proceeded to install Vista
>with 2 gigs uneventfully.
>After a successfull installation I turned the machine off and placed back
>the removed stick.
>Blue screen during reboot!
>Restart again, go to BIOS setup, reduce memory speed from 800 MHz to 667 MHz
>as you have adviced many times.
>Reboot, no problems and Vista is happy with its 4 gigs of RAM.
>Maybe Steve just needs to slow down the memory a bit so that he can use the
>full 4 gigabytes!
>
>Carlos

Thanks for the suggestion, Carlos. I'll look into this in a few days
and report what I find.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
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